Abstract
This trial aims at testing the efficacy of weekly sexo-reproductive health educational text messages to improve perception of adolescent girls on sexo-reproductive health in Cameroon. This is a single-centered randomized controlled single-blinded trial. Adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years in the Kumbo West Health District are the target population. A central computer generated randomization list was used to prevent selection bias and enable the production of the comparable groups for this trial. Allocation concealment (1:1) was determined by sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. A total of 460 participants either receive the mobile phone text message or no text message. Data was collected at baseline, three month and six month intervals. A blinded program secretary sent out text messages and record delivery. The studies primary outcomes were improved knowledge and practices towards sexo-reproductive health, while its secondary outcomes were improved behaviour and attitudes towards sexo-reproductive health. Analysis was by intention-to-change behaviour. Covariates and subgroups were taken into account. This trial investigated the potential of SMS messages on sexo-reproductive health education to improve adolescent girl’s perception to attain better health outcomes. This trial contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of mobile phone technology as a complementary strategy for strengthening health systems and achieving health-related goals oriented towards adolescent girls. Key words: Mobile phone, sexo-reproductive health, improved perception, randomization.
Highlights
Adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa face various sexoreproductive health risks such as unplanned pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections (Renzaho et al, 2017)
Adolescent girls are less likely than older women to access sexo-reproductive health care, J
On our search for papers on mobile phone programs for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries, we found out some projects (70%) relied on text messaging/short message service (SMS) to transmit sexo-reproductive health information to their users
Summary
Adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa face various sexoreproductive health risks such as unplanned pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections (Renzaho et al, 2017). Adolescent girls are less likely than older women to access sexo-reproductive health care, J. Many are poor, have little control over household income, have limited knowledge about sexo-reproductive health issues, and lack the ability to make independent decisions about their health (UNFPA, 2015). They often do not have access to health care that meets their specific sexo-reproductive health needs. Adolescent girls sexo-reproductive health needs often go unnoticed or are viewed through the lens of religious and cultural values, which in turn limit the possibility to provide highly needed care (Engen, 2013)
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