Table 3.

CMO configurations contributing to refining the initial programme theory

Theme	Key CMO configurations contributing to refined programme theory	References
Enlarged spaces of engagement and dialogue	[Intervention] Integrating appropriate new media technologies [Triggered Mechanisms] Enlarged virtual communication spaces [Outcomes] Youth engagement, SRHR dialogues with multiple actors	Awan Usmail & Eboi, 2020
	[Enabling conditions] Peer-level support online; affiliation [Triggered Mechanisms] Sense of connection; self-affirmation [Outcomes] Increased resilience, rejection of judgmental or stigmatizing views	Barry et al., 2018
Anonymity and confidentiality	[Intervention] Mobile services offer anonymity and competition (game) [Triggered Mechanisms] Sense of safety (not being judged); empowerment, engagement (via extrinsic motivation), self-determination [Outcomes] extended beyond schools and community centres – wider reach	NCCE, 2011
	[Enabling conditions] Anonymous text service, safe space, age-appropriate content [Triggered Mechanisms] Sense of security and privacy, relevance [Outcomes] Engagement of youth with knowledge and information about local sexual reproductive health and rights services	Merrill, 2013
	[Intervention] Safe space, facilitated peer support [Triggered Mechanisms] Sense of connection; self-affirmation [Outcomes] Explore opinions, feelings, and prejudices in dialogue with their peers (voice)	Hightow-Wiedman et al., 2015
Access to information	[Intervention] Wide availability, dissemination of information [Triggered Mechanisms] Sense of safety [Outcomes] Informed decision making, improvements to young people’s SRH	Guerrero et al., 2020
Adapted digital information and services	[Intervention] language adaptation to youth, content adaptation to gender, specificity of messages [Triggered Mechanisms] Ease of understanding, Competence [Outcomes] Increased knowledge and making informed decisions for SHR/R; better able to provide feedback and opinions	Guerrero et al., 2020
Policy choices	[Intervention] Reduced state control of information dissemination [Triggered Mechanisms] Active engagement of youth with online content, increasingly diverse voices [Outcomes] Changes in how young people access online SRHR information, and what content is created and shared online	Hildebrand et al., 2013