The Zvatinoda! digital intervention, co-designed with young people, focused on breaking down barriers to health services for 18-24-year-olds in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Through mobile-based, anonymous chats, youth could engage freely on sensitive topics, supported by peer facilitators and expert “Aunties.” This safe and private platform enabled them to improve their sexual and reproductive health knowledge and share insights with family and friends.

Results showed improved health knowledge scores and care-seeking behaviors, with participants valuing both the group dynamics and the platform's anonymity. Published in JMIR Formative Research, this paper highlights the potential of mobile programs to bridge healthcare gaps, especially vital during COVID-19 restrictions. Given high phone access among youth in Zimbabwe, the intervention suggests a hybrid approach that could begin with online anonymity and later introduce in-person elements for stronger community bonds.

This study reinforces the value of peer-to-peer learning combined with adult mentorship, emphasizing that trusted adult figures can enrich youth-led initiatives by offering guidance, expertise, and essential safeguards.

Citation

Mackworth-Young C, Charashika P, Zvatinoda Youth Advisory Group , Larsson L, Wilding-Davies O, Simpson N, Kydd A, Chinyanga T, Ferrand R, Mangombe A, Webb K, Doyle A. Digital Intervention to Improve Health Services for Young People in Zimbabwe: Process Evaluation of ‘Zvatinoda!’ (What We Want) Using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) Framework. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e53034

Read the full paper.