Peer education program for substance use and gender inclusion in Southern Africa
Peer Education for Gender Inclusion and Substance Use in Southern Africa (PEGISUS): A Pilot Trial Testing a Peer-based Intervention in Vocational Training Programs
This study is testing a peer education program to see if it can help young people in Southern Africa reduce substance use and challenge traditional gender beliefs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 264 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Cape Town, Western Cape and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06489899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioral peer group intervention called PEGISUS, which focuses on substance use and gender equitable beliefs among adolescents and young adults in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The intervention will be integrated into existing vocational training programs and consists of nine sessions aimed at addressing substance use and traditional gender norms. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks to measure the impact of the intervention compared to a standard care control group. The study aims to improve health outcomes by targeting peer influences and gender beliefs during a critical developmental period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 24 who report regular substance use and are engaged in vocational training programs.
Not a fit: Patients with untreated major mental illnesses that interfere with participation may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce substance use and promote gender equity among young people in Southern Africa.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in peer-led interventions targeting substance use and gender norms, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents and young adults 16 - 24 years old * At least weekly self-reported alcohol/drug use in a peer group in the past month or at least monthly heavy episodic drinking with peers over the past three months * Comfortable communicating in the predominant local language or English * Lives in the target community and plans to remain in the area for the next 12 months * Eligible to participate in the vocational training (VT) program (according to the VT program's own entry guidelines) and willing to participate in the entirety of the program * Interested to participate in a substance reduction and gender equity beliefs program and able to identify 2 to 5 peers to join * Willing to have PEGISUS workshop sessions audio/video-recorded (if assigned to that group) Exclusion Criteria: * Untreated major mental illness that interferes with study participation, such as active suicidality, or unmanaged bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder * Currently receiving psychological treatment for substance use * Participation in another VT/skills development program or another trial that is judged by the site investigator as non-compatible with this study * Unable to provide informed consent or informed assent
Where this trial is running
Cape Town, Western Cape and 2 other locations
- SOZO Foundation — Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (Recruiting)
- Build It International — Chibombo, Zambia (Recruiting)
- Masvingo Polytechnic — Masvingo, Zimbabwe (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer M Belus, PhD — University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Study coordinator: Tara Carney
- Email: tara.carney@mrc.ac.za
- Phone: +27 21 938 0326
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.