Perceptions of Young People on the Use of Mobile Phones to Access Reproductive Health Care: A Qualitative Study in Tamale, Ghana

Abstract

Young people, 10-24 years, go through many physical, psychosocial and emotional changes
as they transition to adulthood. This period is also critical for young people as they gradually
establish health-promoting behaviours that will contribute to their present and future wellbeing. Africa has the largest number of young people who face the worst health challenges.
Technology can help us address the health challenges that young people face. This study
explored how young people use mobile phones to access reproductive health in Tamale,
Ghana. The research used a qualitative method in three communities in Tamale: Tishigu,
Tutingli, and Warizehi, in the Northern region of Ghana. Data were collected from 18 Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) with young people of ages between 10-14, 15-19 and 20-24 in
three locations in Tamale and triangulated with nine (9) in-depth interviews with key
informants (KII) working with non-governmental mHealth service providers and researchers.
All respondents were selected through purposive sampling. The interviews were taperecorded, fully transcribed, and uploaded into NVivo Pro 11. The results showed that the
prime health care risks young people face are sexually transmitted diseases, teenage
pregnancy, and early marriage. The issues which young people sought healthcare
information most for were female reproductive health and menstruation issues. The issue of
shame was a major reason why young people failed to discuss their reproductive health
needs with others. Illiteracy posed a communication barrier to young people accessing
reproductive health services. Young people faced financial constraints in accessing
reproductive health information and services. The poor attitude of healthcare providers
towards young people was a concern. The top most social media platforms for sharing
reproductive health information were WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. There is a need to
ensure that health service providers get trained to provide youth-friendly health services to
young people. Reproductive health service providers and policymakers need to incorporate
technology in addressing the challenges faced in accessing reproductive health.
Keywords: mHealth, Reproductive Health, Young people, Healthcare.