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.

Request Access About the Study
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
Wave 2
Siyakhula Cohort 1
2012–2014 · Ages 7–11
n = 1,536 · Cognitive & behavioural assessments
Wave 3 · Current
Siyakhula Cohort 2
2026–2030 · Ages 18–24
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 and 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.