Chibombo

This research aims to test the effectiveness of a brief behavioral peer group intervention called PEGISUS Peer Education for Gender Inclusion and Substance Use in Southern Africa on reducing substance use and promoting gender equitable beliefs among adolescents and young adults in South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The study focuses on youth aged 16 to 24 enrolled in vocational training programs, addressing substance use influenced by peer groups and traditional gender norms, which impact health and social outcomes in this population. PEGISUS is an 8-session group intervention adapted from two existing programs targeting substance use and gender norms. It is delivered by staff within established vocational training programs offered by partners in the three countries. Participants are randomly assigned to receive PEGISUS alongside their vocational training or to a control group receiving the standard vocational training and healthcare referral for substance use. Both groups complete assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after starting. Participants will attend vocational training sessions and, if assigned, the PEGISUS workshops. Researchers will collect self-reported data on substance use and gender beliefs through questionnaires at three timepoints. Additional outcomes include vocational attendance, program completion, employment, and income at 24 weeks. The study monitors changes in substance use from baseline to follow-ups and evaluates the interventions impact on gender equity beliefs and vocational success over six months.