Implementation and evaluation of the Y-Check comprehensive adolescent health check-up intervention in Zimbabwe: a pre−post mixed-methods study

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Source: Nature Medicine

Original: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04156-x...

Published: 2026-02-02

The Y-Check study is a before-after mixed-methods trial in Zimbabwe, supported by the WHO, evaluating the implementation of a comprehensive adolescent health screening program.[1][3] The program offers screening for 25 health conditions and risk behaviors, health promotion, on-site care and referral.[3] In schools and community hubs (2 hubs), adolescents with an average age of 16.6 years were exposed, while 76% were students.[3] 1843 participants (88%) showed up for follow-up after an average of 5.9 months, with a higher rate of over 90% in schools versus 73% in communities.[3] The most commonly identified conditions were mental health symptoms, poor oral hygiene, anemia, malnutrition, and visual impairment.[3] The program identified unknown and untreated conditions, successfully treated or referred them to services, and demonstrated a positive impact on multiple secondary health and behavioral outcomes.[3] Implementation was feasible and acceptable for adolescents.[3]