Effect of a Mobile Health Intervention on Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy and Service Utilisation among University Students in Southwest Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) literacy influences young people's health behaviours and outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are potential tools for the delivery of health education and services, but evidence on their effectiveness in strengthening SRH literacy is limited in the study setting. This study assessed the effect of an mHealth intervention on SRH literacy and service utilisation among in-school young people in Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed among undergraduate students aged 18 - 24 years in two tertiary institutions in Osun State. Participants were allocated by institution into intervention (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. The intervention group received a six-week mHealth SRH literacy programme delivered through a mobile application. Data was collected at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t-tests, analysis of covariance and regression analyses were done.

Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in mean SRH literacy scores compared with baseline (p = 0.018). The post-test SRH literacy scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.002), with a large effect size (partial η² = 0.84). The mHealth intervention independently increased the odds of good SRH literacy (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.54 - 8.86), SRH service utilisation (AOR = 6.25; 95% CI: 1.29-30.16), and the intention to use SRH services in the future (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.03 - 7.95).

Conclusion: The mHealth-based intervention significantly improved SRH literacy and service utilisation among young people. The deployment of mHealth interventions to strengthen health literacy competencies in the study setting should be considered.