JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

: Adolescents transitioning from childhood to adulthood need to be equipped with sexual reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that empower them. Accessible, reliable, appropriate, and friendly information can be provided through mobile phone-based health interventions.

Objective:

This study will investigate the effectiveness and impact of an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based mobile phone app in: i) increasing adolescents’ knowledge about contraceptives, gender-based stereotypes, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), abstinence, and perceived vulnerability; and ii) helping adolescents make informed decisions about their sexual reproductive health.

Methods:

A randomized control trial (RCT) methodology was applied to investigate the potential of a USSD-based app for providing on-demand SRH information to adolescents in Kibra, Nairobi County, Kenya.

Results:

During the RCT, 62 (54.9%) adolescents used the USSD-based app at least once; 30 (48.4%) of these were male and 32 (51.6%) female participants. The intervention improved knowledge of contraceptives to p-value 0.1411. Information on STIs was of particular interest, with 27.0% (20) of the adolescents seeking information in this area; 55% (11) of these were female. In relation to improved decision making, 21.6% (29) of the adolescents were able to identify STIs and likely to seek treatment; 51.7% (15) of these were female. Ease of use was the most important feature of the app for 28.3% (54) of the participants.

Conclusions:

Adolescents require accurate and up-to-date SRH information to guide their decision making and improve health outcomes. As adolescents already use mobile phones in their day-to-day life, apps provide an ideal platform for this information.