Understanding the mental health of adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa through participatory research.

ABSTRACT: Most mental health problems in adulthood begin during adolescence. Factors such as poverty, violence, and unemployment contribute to the high burden of mental health problems. In Africa, the lack of resources for diagnosis, treatment, and management exacerbates the situation. Research on adolescent mental health has mostly focused on negative psychological effects, while positive attributes like coping, resilience, and emotional growth have been overlooked. This study explored factors affecting the mental health of adolescents and young adults and to collaboratively identify potential interventions using a participatory research approach. After reviewing the literature, we developed scenarios on issues such as unemployment, violence, poverty and HIV, which were adapted by peer supervisors

SUBMITTER: Mthiyane N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12700379 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature