HSRC Engages South Africa's Youth in Co-Creating Nutrition Interventions

Researchers conducted focus groups with adolescents to gather insights about their experiences with diet, physical activity, and mental wellbeing, which informed the development of a mobile health app. Young participants emphasized the significance of mental wellbeing alongside nutrition and exercise, prompting the research team to integrate these elements into the intervention.

Traditionally, young South Africans have been subjects in nutrition studies, largely assessed and reported on without their active participation in shaping interventions. Although previous surveys like the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES) in 2012 and the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) in 2023 provided important data on nutritional indicators, the HSRC recognizes that surveys alone do not drive behavior change. Targeted, context-sensitive nutrition interventions are necessary.

Co-creating nutrition strategies is essential as it leverages the lived experiences and knowledge of those most affected, particularly young people. Their food choices are influenced by various factors such as peer dynamics, food environments, social media marketing, and cultural norms. Interventions that treat youth as passive recipients are less likely to succeed compared to those designed with their input, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health.

The FASTA study, focused on addressing adolescent obesity in the economically challenged iLembe District, illustrates this participatory approach. This area faces a complex nutrition landscape marked by undernutrition, food insecurity, and rising obesity rates. Many youths struggle with limited access to diverse nutritious foods, often relying on cheap, unhealthy options available in their environment.

The methodology of the FASTA study distinguishes it from previous top-down approaches. It began with listening to young participants, starting with discussions among Grade 5 learners (aged 10 to 12) to explore their views on diet, activity, and the potential of mobile technology in health interventions.

Insights from these discussions highlighted the intertwined nature of physical activity, diet, and mental wellbeing, prompting researchers to include mental wellbeing as a core component of the app. The development process will continue with feedback sessions from a different group of Grade 5 learners in 2026, allowing for refinements based on the young users' input.

The distinction between consultation and genuine participation is crucial, as involving young people in decision-making is imperative for effective interventions. Increasing meaningful youth involvement in health research across sub-Saharan Africa remains a challenge, but it is vital for the relevance and impact of nutrition strategies.

To enhance the nutritional wellbeing of youth, researchers emphasize the need for listening to and engaging young people to incorporate their voices into effective intervention strategies. The FASTA project is ongoing, with publications from its initial phase currently under review.