Peer education program for substance use and gender inclusion in Southern Africa

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.