Implications for Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Interventions: Findings From Adolescent Focus Group Discussions in Belize, Kazakhstan, and South Africa

Purpose: This study aimed to understand 10- to 19-year-old adolescents' conceptions of mental health andwell-being, andsuggestions for appropriate interventions, inthree low- andmiddle-incomecountries to inform the design of adolescent-responsive preventive and promotive mental health programming. ethods: Ninety-one adolescents participated in focus group discussions in Belize, Kazakhstan, and SouthAfrica. The discussionswere recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzedusing thematic analysis. Results: Adolescents were active contributors to the discussions and provided important information and solutions for improving adolescents' mental health from interpersonal skills training to interventions in schools and communities. Adolescents identified a need for social emotional skills development, particularly regarding interpersonal relationships and navigating peer pressure and bullying. Furthermore, the discussions highlighted the need for programming to be tailored to the local context regarding language, contextual challenges faced by adolescents, and choice of program facilitators. Adolescents valued supportive interactions with adults in their lives and recommended that programs should include teacher/parent training on interacting with adolescents. Conclusions: These findings highlight that adolescents are valuable partners in developing adolescent health interventions and show that social emotional skills are key components in such interventions. These programs should be culturallyand locally appropriate and include components for teachers and parents.

Automated summary

This study aimed to understand adolescents' conceptions of mental health and well-being as well as their suggestions for appropriate interventions. Focus group discussions were conducted with 91 adolescents in Belize, Kazakhstan, and South Africa. The findings showed that adolescents provided important information and solutions for improving mental health, emphasizing the need for social emotional skill development and culturally appropriate programming. They also highlighted the importance of supportive interactions with adults and recommended teacher/parent training as part of the programs.