Digital Health Communication And Youth Awareness Of Sexual And Reproductive Health In Nigeria

• Gyihya, BAMAIYI

  Adamawa State University, Mubi, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media Studies, Department of Mass Communication

  Author

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges among Nigerian youths persist despite rapid digital transformation and increased access to online platforms. High rates of adolescent pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) illustrate persistent gaps in SRH knowledge, particularly among girls who face heightened risks due to cultural norms, poverty, and stigma. This study investigates how digital health communication influences SRH awareness among Nigerian youths. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the research adopts a qualitative, literature-based design, drawing on peer-reviewed studies, policy reports, and digitalhealth evidence to explore patterns of digital access, platform preferences, and comprehension outcomes. Findings reveal that although youths increasingly use digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and SMS-based services, only a fraction intentionally seek accurate SRH information. Structured digital interventions—such as mobile health (mHealth) applications, online counselling, and interactive sexuality-education modules—demonstrate significant improvements in knowledge, awareness of contraception, HIV prevention, and interpretation of risky sexual situations. However, challenges such as misinformation, limited digital literacy, privacy concerns, and unequal access hinder optimal utilisation and sustained behavioural outcomes. The study concludes that digital communication offers a vital but underutilised pathway for enhancing SRH awareness in Nigeria and recommends strengthening content credibility, expanding equitable access, and integrating digital SRH strategies into youth-focused education and public-health programmes to promote safer sexual behaviours and informed decision-making among adolescents.

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