Multi-Modal Integrated Community-Based Approaches to Enhancing Health-Related Quality of Life among Youth

Young people in particular are at increased risk of unintentional injuries, youth violence, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and the misuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Advocating for the promotion of healthy choices among young people can not only assist these individuals to live healthy and productive lives into adulthood, but can also lead to positive outcomes at the community and societal levels. A central aspect of the promotion of health and wellbeing among young people is health-related quality of life (HRQoL)—a multidimensional phenomenon that comprises domains linked to physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. This chapter focuses on the value and utility of multi-modal integrated community-based approaches to enhance HRQoL among the youth, providing impetus for policy makers, healthcare professionals, and researchers alike. By way of illustration, the authors specifically draw on their experiences in developing one such intervention in a low-income community in Cape Town, South Africa.