Introduction
The Strong Bodies, Strong Minds (SBSM) Project, implemented by Grassroot Soccer (GRS) in partnership with StrongMinds Zambia (SMZ) and evaluated by M31 Research, focuses on improving mental health (MH) support, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) awareness, and HIV treatment adherence (ART) among Young People Living with HIV (YLWHIV) in Zambia. Running from 2020 to 2023, the initiative leverages sports as a mobilization tool to create safe and engaging spaces for young people to access health education, mental health services, and peer support. The project addresses critical challenges such as persistent stigma, limited community and family support, and significant gaps in mental health service delivery.
Study Design and Methodology
M31 Research conducted a qualitative, non-experimental cross-sectional study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and scalability of the SBSM Project. The evaluation included In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with YLWHIV, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community members, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with healthcare providers and other stakeholders. The study was carried out in Lusaka (Lusaka District) and Chipata (Eastern Province), covering both urban and rural settings. This approach allowed for diverse perspectives on the program's impact and the identification of critical success factors and challenges.
Baseline Results
The Strong Bodies, Strong Minds (SBSM) Project revealed that while sports-based interventions effectively mobilize communities and promote ART adherence, mental health services remain critically underdeveloped in target areas. Stigma, limited community awareness, and poor coordination among stakeholders continue to pose significant barriers to the program's success. Addressing these challenges requires scaling up mental health services, strengthening community referral mechanisms, and improving stakeholder collaboration through regular planning and review meetings. Additionally, awareness campaigns leveraging sports and social media are essential to reduce stigma and encourage community support for YLWHIV. By prioritizing these key actions, the SBSM Project can create a sustainable, youth-friendly health support model with far-reaching impacts.
