Fostering Resilience and Improving Mental Health in Adolescents in a Resource-Limited Setting: Lessons from a Peer Support Initiative in Rural South Africa
1
Impact and Research Office, One to One Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2574
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Adolescents living with chronic conditions such as HIV (ALWCC) in resource-limited settings endure profound stigma, social isolation, and barriers to healthcare and support, undermining their mental health, well-being, and resilience. Peer support interventions have proven effective in mitigating these issues by fostering connection and empowerment. In rural South Africa, where socioeconomic hardships and limited services amplify challenges, tailored peer-led programs are essential. This study outlines lessons from One to One Africa's initiative to bolster mental health and resilience among ALWCC.
METHODS:
Starting in urban sites in 2018 and scaling to rural areas in 2023, the program features weekly peer support groups and Teen Clubs for 10–19-year-olds with HIV or other chronic illnesses. Youth peers, trained and supervised by social workers, facilitate safe spaces for sharing experiences, building self-acceptance, resilience, and self-worth through guided discussions. Complementary services include individual and family counseling to support disclosure and communication, Youth Champions leading anti-stigma campaigns in schools and clinics, and practical assistance overcoming barriers like securing identity documents, social grants, and food aid.
RESULTS:
945 adolescents participated in three cohorts across the program. Implementation revealed persistent stigma as a core mental health barrier. However, groups cultivated emotional safety, peer bonds, and confidence in self-managing conditions alongside better parent dialogue. Youth Champions successfully curbed community stigma, promoting acceptance in educational and healthcare settings and easing disclosure. Structural support enhanced access to vital resources, markedly improving overall psychosocial well-being.
CONCLUSIONS:
Peer-led, community-based mental health programs are indispensable for ALWCC in rural, resource-scarce contexts. Strategies like intensified awareness campaigns, embedding adolescent mental health in chronic care, and equipping caregivers with disclosure tools will drive sustainable health and well-being gains.
Adolescents living with chronic conditions such as HIV (ALWCC) in resource-limited settings endure profound stigma, social isolation, and barriers to healthcare and support, undermining their mental health, well-being, and resilience. Peer support interventions have proven effective in mitigating these issues by fostering connection and empowerment. In rural South Africa, where socioeconomic hardships and limited services amplify challenges, tailored peer-led programs are essential. This study outlines lessons from One to One Africa's initiative to bolster mental health and resilience among ALWCC.
METHODS:
Starting in urban sites in 2018 and scaling to rural areas in 2023, the program features weekly peer support groups and Teen Clubs for 10–19-year-olds with HIV or other chronic illnesses. Youth peers, trained and supervised by social workers, facilitate safe spaces for sharing experiences, building self-acceptance, resilience, and self-worth through guided discussions. Complementary services include individual and family counseling to support disclosure and communication, Youth Champions leading anti-stigma campaigns in schools and clinics, and practical assistance overcoming barriers like securing identity documents, social grants, and food aid.
RESULTS:
945 adolescents participated in three cohorts across the program. Implementation revealed persistent stigma as a core mental health barrier. However, groups cultivated emotional safety, peer bonds, and confidence in self-managing conditions alongside better parent dialogue. Youth Champions successfully curbed community stigma, promoting acceptance in educational and healthcare settings and easing disclosure. Structural support enhanced access to vital resources, markedly improving overall psychosocial well-being.
CONCLUSIONS:
Peer-led, community-based mental health programs are indispensable for ALWCC in rural, resource-scarce contexts. Strategies like intensified awareness campaigns, embedding adolescent mental health in chronic care, and equipping caregivers with disclosure tools will drive sustainable health and well-being gains.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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