A global scoping review of community-based mentoring interventions for adolescent girls during pregnancy and after birth

Background: Integrated, evidence-based interventions across health, education, and social systems are needed to support child and adolescent development, especially for pregnant adolescents. While youth mentoring interventions show promise in improving health and well-being outcomes, existing studies largely exclude this population group. To address this gap, we conducted a global scoping review of community-based mentoring interventions for adolescent girls during pregnancy and after birth. Methods: We performed a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. First, we searched (Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, IBSS, and Global Health), grey literature, and international registers from inception until July 2025 (no language, setting, or time limitations) for studies that reported on a mentoring intervention for adolescent girls (aged 10-19 years old) during pregnancy and after birth that were delivered in any community settings by local members. To be included, the studies had to report on the intervention theory, methods, and components; any health, social, educational outcomes; and key challenges and lessons learnt. Following screening, we extracted and narratively synthesized the data from the included studies. Results: We screened 1085 titles and abstracts and 97 full text records and included 13 studies (25 records) on community-based mentoring interventions for adolescent girls during pregnancy and after birth. These studies came mostly from the USA, with one delivered in Malawi and Sierra Leone each. They were conducted between 1991 and 2024 and used varied designs, including randomised trials or qualitative and mixed-methods research. Interventions were home-, school-, or community-based and aimed to reduce mortality and improve maternal, perinatal and infant health; reduce repeat pregnancies; support education and employment; and enhance well-being. Mentors, often local volunteers, provided emotional support, practical guidance, and links to services. The included studies reported on improved health practices and outcomes, reduced rapid repeat pregnancies, increased school engagement, and greater self-esteem and well-being. Key challenges were recruitment and retention, role clarity, limited resources, and structural barriers like poverty and stigma. Strong, culturally sensitive mentor-mentee relationships and integration with existing services were critical for success. Conclusions: Community-based mentoring interventions for adolescent girls during pregnancy and after birth were reported to provide crucial support in improving health and enhancing educational attainment, economic stability, and overall psychosocial well-being, especially when relationships were sustained and culturally sensitive. The strength of evidence, however, varied across different outcomes and contexts. Further research is needed to fully understand efficacy, generalisability and mechanisms, particularly for specific outcomes and adolescent populations in low- and middle-income countries.