“The internet hides nothing”: Kenyan adolescents’ experiences with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education

Abstract

“The internet hides nothing”: Kenyan adolescents’ experiences with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is critical to adolescent development, promoting safe and responsible sexual behavior. However, access to SRH information among adolescents could be limited by negative health worker attitudes, socio-cultural influences, and distances to health care facilities. Objective: This study explores Kenyan adolescents' sources of SRH information, their experiences with these sources, and their recommendations for improving SRH information access. Methods: The study employed a qualitative design, utilizing data from focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted via Zoom and WhatsApp. Participants were recruited through Kenyatta National Hospital’s youth center and WhatsApp-based peer recruitment. Six semi-structured FGDs involving 33 adolescents were conducted in English. Thematic analysis was performed using Dedoose software. Results: Adolescents identified substantial gaps in SRH education provided by different sources, caregiver and teacher discomfort in discussing relationship and sex-related topics, and lack of practical, real-life information. Digital media emerged as a primary source of SRH information and was seen as accessible, private and non-judgemental. Participants expressed the need for interactive and demonstrative teaching methods to enhance SRH education. Conclusion: Among adolescents in Kenya, digital sources of SRH information addressed gaps and challenges with SRH information access. Efforts to tailor and enhance digital SRH information for adolescents and address caregiver/teacher gaps in providing information are needed. Keywords: Sexual and reproductive health, adolescents, Kenya, digital media, education, qualitative study.