Enhancing adolescent self-efficacy and collective efficacy through public engagement around HIV/AIDS competence: A multilevel, cluster randomized-controlled trial

► Adolescents in Tanzania increased their communicative and deliberative self-efficacy through public discourse on HIV/AIDS. ► This enhanced self-efficacy was developed through community education and mobilization they initiated to address HIV/AIDS. ► Adults recognized adolescent contributions to a scientific understanding of transmission, testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS. ► This health promotion approach increased collective efficacy (intergenerational closure) between adolescents and adults. ► Local government involvement legitimized and sustained the Young Citizens Program as a structural intervention.