Co-designing an intervention to address alcohol use among adolescent boys and young men in Tanzania

In Tanzania, alcohol use amongst adolescent boys is a major public health concern. Heavy alcohol use in adolescence is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes and predicts alcohol-related problems in adult life. It also impacts on girls, through its links with increased intimate partner violence and sexual risk taking. Evidence about how and where to deliver interventions to address adolescent alcohol consumption is lacking. In response, this study aims to develop a theoretically-driven, complex intervention to prevent, delay and reduce alcohol uptake and use among adolescent boys and young men. From January 2022, this 18-month, mixed-method study will employ a range of methods across three sub-studies. Sub-study A is an iterative policy review, followed by sub-study B which will include a situation analysis. Interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation, and participatory methods (e.g. photovoice, storytelling, brainstorming) will be undertaken in Moshi Municipality to capture perception about alcohol use from a wide range of stakeholders, including adolescent boys and girls. Data will be triangulated and thematically analysed from a systems perspective to gain an in-depth understanding of drivers of adolescent alcohol use. Sub-study C will then use workshops to review these drivers and co-design intervention materials for use in schools and in the community. Finally, these materials will be tested in small groups, with interviews and focus groups assessing acceptability and appropriateness.