Wave 3 · 2026–2030 · uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal
Adolescent Mental Health
in Rural South Africa
The Siyakhula Cohort 2 study follows 1,536 young adults to build a contextually valid framework for adolescent mental health outcomes across the full life course.
1,536
Cohort participants
25 yrs
Longitudinal follow-up
6
AMH outcome domains
3
Study waves linked
Study Design
25 Years of Longitudinal Science
SC2 is the third wave of a programme anchored in the AHRI Health and Demographic Surveillance System area.
Wave 1
VTS / Mamanengane
2001–2006 · Ages 0–2
n ≈ 1,194 · Exclusive breastfeeding intervention
n ≈ 1,194 · Exclusive breastfeeding intervention
Wave 2
Siyakhula Cohort 1
2012–2014 · Ages 7–11
n = 1,536 · Cognitive & behavioural assessments
n = 1,536 · Cognitive & behavioural assessments
Wave 3 · Current
Siyakhula Cohort 2
2026–2030 · Ages 18–24
Adolescent Mental Health outcomes
Adolescent Mental Health outcomes
AMH Framework
Six Outcome Domains
SC2 measures adolescent mental health across six evidence-based domains using objective and self-report instruments.
Mental Disorder
Diagnostic interview + self-report symptomatology
Cognition
Objective neuropsychological assessment
Physical Health
Objective clinical measurements
Subjective Well-being
Self-report scales and quality of life
Social Relationships
Peer, family and community connectedness
Functioning
Daily functioning and adaptive behaviour
Study Team
Protocol Investigators
A multi-institutional team based at AHRI, Manchester Metropolitan University, and partner institutions.
Xanthe Hunt
Lead Applicant · AHRI Mental Health Lead
Tamsen Rochat
Co-Applicant
Collins Iwuji
Co-Applicant · Head of HDSS
Natsayi Chimbindi
Co-Applicant
Nothando Ngwenya
Co-Applicant
Dickman Gareta
HDSS Linkage · Matching Algorithm
Dr Tarylee Reddy
SSC Biostatistics Representative
Marothi Peter Letsoalo
Senior (Bio)statistician · Platform Admin
AHRIAdmin