Abdul Hamid Alhassan, Ramatu
(2024)
Digitizing Adolescent Health: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Digital Educational Tools for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Africa.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Background: Digital educational tools present a promising avenue to enhance sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. This region faces significant challenges in providing accurate and comprehensive SRH information due to socio-cultural norms, stigma, and limited resources. A systematic literature review was conducted to describe the geographic and demographic distribution and the types and format of digital educational tools available for delivering sexual and reproductive health education to adolescents in the sub-Saharan Africa region.
Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines, searching databases like Ovid-MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ERIC. Studies addressing digital tools used to assess or deliver SRH education, their implementation, and effectiveness among African adolescents were included. 22 studies met the criteria, revealing diverse digital tools like social media, mobile apps, and gamified learning experiences.
Results: These tools successfully engaged adolescents by providing accessible and relevant SRH information. They improved knowledge, influenced attitudes, and encouraged healthy behaviors. However, challenges were noted, including the digital divide, cultural sensitivity of material, and the need to assess long-term impact on behavior modification.
Conclusion: Digital educational tools offer great potential to improve SRH education for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. They can enhance health outcomes and accessibility by delivering easy-to-understand, interesting, and tailored information. Future research should address identified challenges, bridge the digital divide, ensure cultural relevance, and assess long-term impact on behavior and health outcomes. Policymakers and educators are encouraged to integrate these tools into SRH educational strategies targeting adolescents to improve their sexual and reproductive health and contribute to better public health in the region.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Abdul Hamid Alhassan, Ramatu | rha14@pitt.edu | rha14 | |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Haggerty, Catherine L. | haggertyc@edc.pitt.edu | haggertyc | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Anto-Ocrah, Martina | maa509@pitt.edu | maa509 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Fapohunda, Abimbola | aof3@pitt.edu | aof3 | UNSPECIFIED |
|
| Date: |
17 May 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
25 April 2024 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
55 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Epidemiology |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
"teens," "health education," "STIs," “reproduction,” “Adolescents,” “mental health,” and “Africa” |
| Date Deposited: |
17 May 2024 18:54 |
| Last Modified: |
17 May 2024 18:54 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46291 |
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