Reproductive Health Communication Research Articles

Use of digital media by adolescents for sexual and reproductive health and rights communication in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for systematic review

BackgroundWithin the sub-Saharan African region, there is a growing concern for sexual and reproductive health and rights communication, and more particularly, for adolescents. Given the existing barriers associated with face-to-face access, the need to use digital media to access information and services has become desirable and imperative, especially so due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, a synthesis of evidence that informs adolescents’ digital media engagements for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) communication is limited. This systematic review therefore aims to examine and synthesize evidence on use of digital media for sexual and reproductive health and rights communication by adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA search for peer-reviewed articles will be conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Google Scholar with emphasis on those published between 2000 and 2023. Only observational and qualitative studies will be included. Quality assessment of included articles will be done using standardized checklists from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Both descriptive and narrative summaries will be used to appraise evidence from included studies.DiscussionThis review will be essential in providing information on the types of digital media adolescents use, the various SRHR issues they use this platform to address and their reasons for using it and associated challenges. It will also contribute to the advocacy for the inclusion of these technologies in the teaching and learning, provision of and access to SRHR information and services by teachers, public health providers and peer educators in the subregion.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020211491. This protocol follows the PRISMA-P guidelines for reporting systematic reviews.

Efficacy of the Flo App in Improving Health Literacy, Menstrual and General Health, and Well-Being in Women: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Reproductive health literacy and menstrual health awareness play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of women and people who menstruate. Further, awareness of one's own menstrual cycle patterns and associated symptoms can help individuals identify and manage conditions of the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Digital health products, and specifically menstrual health apps, have the potential to effect positive change due to their scalability and ease of access. The primary aim of this study was to measure the efficacy of a menstrual and reproductive health app, Flo, in improving health literacy and health and well-being outcomes in menstruating individuals with and without PMS and PMDD. Further, we explored the possibility that the use of the Flo app could positively influence feelings around reproductive health management and communication about health, menstrual cycle stigma, unplanned pregnancies, quality of life, work productivity, absenteeism, and body image. We conducted 2 pilot, 3-month, unblinded, 2-armed, remote randomized controlled trials on the effects of using the Flo app in a sample of US-based (1) individuals who track their cycles (n=321) or (2) individuals who track their cycles and are affected by PMS or PMDD (n=117). The findings revealed significant improvements at the end of the study period compared to baseline for our primary outcomes of health literacy (cycle tracking: D̄=1.11; t311=5.73, P<.001; PMS or PMDD: D̄=1.20; t115=3.76, P<.001) and menstrual health awareness (D̄=3.97; t311=7.71, P<.001), health and well-being (D̄=3.44; t311=5.94, P<.001), and PMS or PMDD symptoms burden (D̄=-7.08; t115=-5.44, P<.001). Improvements were also observed for our secondary outcomes of feelings of control and management over health (D̄=1.01; t311=5.08, P<.001), communication about health (D̄=0.93; t311=2.41, P=.002), menstrual cycle stigma (D̄=-0.61; t311=-2.73, P=.007), and fear of unplanned pregnancies (D̄=-0.22; t311=-2.11, P=.04) for those who track their cycles, as well as absenteeism from work and education due to PMS or PMDD (D̄=-1.67; t144=-2.49, P=.01). These pilot randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the use of the Flo app improves menstrual health literacy and awareness, general health and well-being, and PMS or PMDD symptom burden. Considering the widespread use and affordability of the Flo app, these findings show promise for filling important gaps in current health care provisioning such as improving menstrual knowledge and health. OSF Registries osf.io/pcgw7; https://osf.io/pcgw7 ; OSF Registries osf.io/ry8vq; https://osf.io/ry8vq.

Barriers and facilitators of parent-adolescent communication on sexual health and relationships among the UK population: A study protocol.

Improving the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents remains a public health priority. Effective communication between parents and adolescents regarding sexual health and relationships is important and could influence adolescents to adopt safer sexual behaviors. However, several barriers can impede this communication in the UK population. The aim of the review is to explore barriers and facilitators, as well as wider determinants of parent-adolescent communication (PAC) on sexual health and relationships. The review will explore possible interventions aimed at promoting PACon sexual health and relationships. The review will focus on exploring barriers and facilitators of PACon sexual health and relationships in the United Kingdom. This study will synthesize qualitative literature to understand the significance of parent-adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication, the challenges and facilitators to effective communication in the United Kingdom. Using a detailed predetermined search strategy, the study will search for relevant studies from CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and gray literature on Google Scholar. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programchecklist will appraise the included studies'methodological quality. A thematic synthesis approach will be used to synthesize data from included studies. Findings from the systematic review are expected to give information on the barriers and facilitators of PACon sexual health and relationships which will further optimize interventions to improve this type of communication and guide future research in understanding this area. The review has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD (PROSPERO) (CRD42022351697).

Experiences of primary health care nurses regarding the promotion of sexual reproductive health communication with grandparents in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province.

A qualitative, descriptive contextual design study was conducted to explore and describe the experiences of primary health care nurses regarding the promotion of sexual reproductive health communication with grandparents in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. A non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select 12 Primary Health care nurses based in the Primary health care facilities within Tshwane District. An in-depth interview was used to collect data and Giorgio's five (5) steps were followed during data analysis. Ethical consideration was adhered to by ensuring confidentiality, anonymity, and privacy. All participants signed the consent form to indicate their willingness to participate in the study. Findings of the study revealed the following themes: Primary health care nurses (PHCNs) experiences of sexual and reproductive health communication, and PHCNs experiences of factors facilitating sexual reproductive health (SRH) communication. From the findings it can then be concluded that PHCNs understand facilitating factors to promote open communication with grandparents regarding SRH.

Teenage pregnancy matters in refugee setup: early pregnancy among adolescent girls in Kule refugee camp, Gambella, Ethiopia

BackgroundAn estimated 21 million adolescent girls become pregnant with nearly half of these pregnancies being unintended, and more than half end in unsafe abortion in low and middle-income countries every year. Teenage pregnancy causes serious health, social, and economic consequences around the globe. Despite it is a common problem in the whole community it is more devastating when this occurs in a refugee setup. This study assessed the magnitude of teenage pregnancy in the Kule refugee camp, in Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based mixed cross-sectional study was done among 422 adolescent girls. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. A structured, pre-tested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength and direction of the association. For the qualitative part, four focused group discussion sessions were done, and participants were selected purposely. Thematic analysis was used to analyze, and the finding was triangulated with quantitative findings.ResultA total of 146 adolescents (34.6%, 95% CI: (29.9, 38.9)) have experienced pregnancy at least one time. Age (≤ 16) [AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: (0.27, 0.85)], not attending school [AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: (1.2, 10.8)], having a mother with no history of teenage pregnancy [AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: (0.21, 0.98)], being unmarried [AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: (0.12, 0.36)], and having a sister/s with a history of teenage pregnancy [AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: (1.33, 3.7)] were significantly associated factors.ConclusionMore than one-third of adolescents experience teenage pregnancy. The magnitude of teenage pregnancy was high which may lead to serious health consequences for both the mother and their fetus. Addressing cultural barriers and strengthening adolescent reproductive health education to decrease intergenerational transmission of teenage pregnancy through community awareness and strengthening reproductive parent-adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health communication are important measures to tackle the problem.

“They're scared that somebody's gonna judge them”: Female African American youth in foster care's perspectives on sexual and reproductive health communication with caregivers

BackgroundObtaining accurate information is critical for youth's sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Youth not in foster care often learn about SRH from their biological parents. Separated from their biological parents, youth in care depend on healthcare providers and caregivers for SRH information. However, they often receive insufficient information and feel unsupported in meeting their needs for SRH information. PurposeThis study explored female African American adolescents in foster care's perspectives on effective SRH communication with caregivers to help them avoid sexual risks. MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. We used purposive sampling to recruit 16 adolescents aged 18 to 20 years old with a history of foster care placement. The transcribed interviews underwent inductive thematic analysis. The Positive Youth Development theory underpinned this research. ResultsTwo prominent themes emerged: establishing a relationship and preferred communication approach. Youth reported that for caregivers to engage in effective SRH communication, they must first establish a relationship by being aware of the youth's childhood trauma, building trust, having patience, and being vulnerable. Youth also appreciated caregivers who ensured comfortability and were honest and straightforward. DiscussionCaregivers should be trained on adverse childhood experiences, trauma-informed approaches, SRH knowledge, and communication. Implications to practiceHealthcare providers should make use of the time spent with youth and discuss SRH topics during clinical encounters. This time spent with youth may be their only chance to obtain accurate SRH information. Youth's perspectives regarding communication about SRH should be implemented in future SRH communication interventions.

Feasibility Testing of a Web-Based Reproductive Decision Support Tool for Cystic Fibrosis

BackgroundPeople with cystic fibrosis (CF) are increasingly considering their reproductive goals. We developed MyVoice:CF, a web-based patient-centered reproductive decision support tool and assessed its implementation in CF care. MethodsWe conducted a feasibility trial among 18-44-year-old women with CF and multidisciplinary CF providers. Prior to CF clinic visit, patient participants completed a baseline survey, used MyVoice:CF, and assessed acceptability, appropriateness, and usability. After clinic, participants rated impact on reproductive health communication. At 3 months post-use, participants assessed impact on reproductive health outcomes. Provider participants completed a survey and focus group regarding MyVoice:CF feasibility/implementation. We assessed outcomes descriptively. We compared MyVoice:CF's impact on outcomes from baseline to follow-up using McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed rank tests as appropriate. ResultsForty-three patient participants completed baseline surveys and 40 rated MyVoice:CF's feasibility; 10 providers participated. Patient participants rated MyVoice:CF's acceptability as 4.48±0.50 out of 5, appropriateness as 4.61±0.48 out of 5, and usability as 82.25±11.02 (‘A’/excellent). After MyVoice:CF use, participants reported improved reproductive health communication self-efficacy vs. baseline (3.54±1.17vs.3.95±0.93, p<0.001). At baseline, 36% of participants reported any discussion of reproductive goals/plans with their CF team in the past year compared to 59% after first visit post-MyVoice:CF use (p=0.049). Provider participants similarly rated MyVoice:CF as feasible and reported no negative impacts on clinic flow after implementation. ConclusionsMyVoice:CF is acceptable, appropriate, and usable for those with CF. Preliminary effectiveness evaluation suggests that MyVoice:CF improves self-efficacy in and frequency of reproductive health communication. Future studies should further assess MyVoice:CF's impact on reproductive health communication and outcomes.

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Mapping the Expertise and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene, and Menstrual Health among Adolescent Ladies in Low- and Center-Profit Nations

Peran Komunikasi Orang Tua terhadap Kesehatan Reproduksi pada Remaja

This study aims to examine whether parental communication in adolescent reproductive health services plays a role in encouraging adolescents to utilize sexual and reproductive health services. This research method uses Literature Review with JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) Critical Appraisal. Family”, “Health Services,” “Reproductive Health,” Sexual and Reproductive Health.” The research results show that the influence of parents to be able to encourage access to reproductive health services is the lack of parental education, adequate family economy, living with parents, and the lack of facilities provided by the local government. In conclusion, teenagers must involve parents in sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescents because they can encourage youth-friendly health services and prevent sexual and reproductive health outcomes and harmful behavior among adolescent students.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Family, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health Reproductive Health, Sexual Health

Not Lost in Translation: The Use of Standardized Patients Technology among Health Professional Students in Tanzania.

Health professionals in Tanzania report a perceived need for sexual and reproductive health communication training to meet patient needs and reduce disparities. Simulation optimizes clinical performance and public entrustment. The study describes the development, feasibility, and acceptability measures of evidence-based, Afrocentric, standardized patient scenarios to train nursing, medical, and midwifery students in sexual and reproductive health in Tanzania. Standardized patient simulation cases with embedded cultural, language, gender, age, sexuality, and legal complexity issues were identified by stakeholders in Dar es Salaam centering on;1) adolescent health, 2) women's health, and 3) male health cases. Twenty-four health professional students evenly split across nursing, midwifery, and medicine were recruited and enrolled to participate in a pilot trial of the standardized patient simulations conducted in Kiswahili and the results recorded. Videos were evaluated by trained bilingual research staff using standardized behavioral checklists. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess the pilot data. The study found that seventy-five percent (N =18) of baseline participants (N=24) returned for the 3-month follow-up simulation assessment. While not powered for statistical significance, students showed improvement in all cases and a significant improvement in the male erectile dysfunction concerns case for both interpersonal communication (t (17) = -3.445, p < .005) and medical history taking checklist (t(17)= -3.259, p < .005). Further, most students found the opportunity to practice using the simulations helpful or very helpful in their sexual and reproductive health education. It was therefore concluded that preliminary sexual and reproductive health simulation data using standardized patients demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among student participants.

A Study on Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication Between Adolescents and Parents Among High School Students in Thrissur District, Kerala

A Study on Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication Between Adolescents and Parents Among High School Students in Thrissur District, Kerala

Narratives of most significant change to explore experiences of caregivers in a caregiver-young adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication intervention in rural south-western Uganda.

This paper presents findings from a qualitative effectiveness evaluation of an intervention aimed at improving caregiver-young adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication including training modules for caregivers on parent-child SRH communication. Data was collected (October 2021-November 2021) using a narrative interviewing technique with thirty caregivers (8 males and 22 females), who received the parent-child communication intervention in Mbarara district, south-western Uganda. We explored caregivers' experiences with the intervention based on four domains of change: caregiver-young adolescent communication on SRH issues, knowledge and attitudes towards adolescent SRH, parenting skills, and personal life and family. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyse the data, with attention to gender differences. Findings highlight positive parenting as a key attribute of SRH communication, along with a transformation of knowledge and attitudes towards the SRH of young adolescents leading to an overall improvement in SRH communication. However, communication is still limited to comfortable topics. Our findings indicate improved caregiver-adolescent SRH communication practices following a community intervention. Programming for adolescent health on broader sexuality topics, comfortability and attitude change among caregivers could promote behaviour change on a long term. Future studies may focus on the long term impacts of interventions of this nature and test interventions aimed at addressing comfortability with discussingSRH issues.

Sexual and reproductive health communication between parents and adolescents: the case of Wa West District of the Upper West Region, Ghana

Background: Sexual and reproductive health communication is an important conversation challenge between parents and their adolescent children. Studies have established that parent-adolescent communication about sex can greatly reduce adolescents' risky sexual behaviour. Factors such as attitude, religious beliefs, perceived behavioural control, and behavioural intentions have been reported to affect parent-adolescent communication. Objective: This study assessed the communication practices between adolescents and their parents in the Wa West District in the Upper West Region of Ghana and factors that may be associated with this communication process. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed using a four-stage sampling technique. A total of 420 parents with adolescents aged 10to 19years were recruited to answer structured questions using Somers and Canivez's sexual communication tool. The tool yielded sexual communication mean scores. The analysis of variance test was used to compare mean scores. Binary logistic regression was used to determine possible factors affecting SRH communications. All analyses were done using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 25). Results: The study found that most of the respondents had good communication on sexual and reproductive health with their adolescents. There was a significant difference between Dagaabas and the other ethnic groups (p=0.025, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.05-1.25), between public sector employees and farmers (p=0.008, 95% CI = 0.07-0.90), and between Christians and Muslims (p=0.032, 95% CI= 0.01-0.38) on SRH communication. Conclusion: Though parents' communication with adolescents was good, health stakeholders need to empower parents with information on sexual and reproductive health to ensure effective counselling of their adolescents

Improving Reproductive Health Communication Between Providers and Women Affected by Homelessness and Substance Use in San Francisco: Results from a Community-Informed Workshop

ObjectivesMany cisgender women affected by homelessness and substance use desire pregnancy and parenthood. Provider discomfort with patient-centered counseling about reproductive choices and supporting reproductive decisions of these women poses barriers to reproductive healthcare access.MethodsWe used participatory research methods to develop a half-day workshop for San Francisco-based medical and social service providers to improve reproductive counseling of women experiencing homelessness and/or who use substances. Guided by a stakeholder group comprising cisgender women with lived experience and providers, goals of the workshop included increasing provider empathy, advancing patient-centered reproductive health communication, and eliminating extraneous questions in care settings that perpetuate stigma. We used pre/post surveys to evaluate acceptability and effects of the workshop on participants’ attitudes and confidence in providing reproductive health counseling. We repeated surveys one month post-event to investigate lasting effects.ResultsForty-two San Francisco-based medical and social service providers participated in the workshop. Compared to pre-test, post-test scores indicated reduced biases about: childbearing among unhoused women (p < 0.01), parenting intentions of pregnant women using substances (p = 0.03), and women not using contraception while using substances (p < 0.01). Participants also expressed increased confidence in how and when to discuss reproductive aspirations (p < 0.01) with clients. At one month, 90% of respondents reported the workshop was somewhat or very beneficial to their work, and 65% reported increased awareness of personal biases when working with this patient population.Conclusions for PracticeA half-day workshop increased provider empathy and improved provider confidence in reproductive health counseling of women affected by homelessness and substance use.

Setting the Agenda: Latina/x Tri-Generational Family Communication About Reproductive and Sexual Health Toward Wellbeing

ABSTRACT The family is an important site of information, communication, and advocacy regarding sexual and reproductive health behaviors, particularly for individuals assigned female at birth (Byers, 2011). For Latina women, the health messages received from family members may be especially meaningful. This essay explores tri- and multi-generational family communication among Latina women, centering on the communication that transpires among different female generations regarding reproductive and sexual health topics. We call attention to the importance of further exploring if and how transparency, honesty, and non-judgment conversations can provide a culture of mutual respect and openness among women within the Latinx community as they attempt to negotiate their sexual behavior. We call on family communication scholars, especially those of Latinx descent, to consider how their work can contribute to setting an agenda for this important culture and topic, and we recommend specific research areas to investigate sexual and reproductive health communication in Latinx families.

Parents’ attitude towards sexual and reproductive health communication: The case of Wa West district of the Upper West Region, Ghana

BackgroundParents’ communication with their adolescents on sexual and reproductive health essentially decreases adolescent perilous sexual conduct. Available evidence supports a strong relationship between parents’ attitude and their communication with adolescents on sexual and reproductive issues. AimsThis study assessed the attitude of parents towards sexual and reproductive health communication with their adolescents in the Wa West District. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 respondents. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study respondents. Data were collected employing trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 25. ResultsThe majority (96.2%) of the respondents had a positive attitude towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication There was a significant relationship between the sex of respondents and attitude toward sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication with adolescents (P < 0.03, C 1.226–54.841). Conclusion and recommendationParents especially females had a positive attitude towards SRH communication with their adolescents. Healthcare stakeholders need to empower female parents with SRH information to be able to fruitfully communicate with their adolescents.

A prospective cross-sectional study on parent – Female adolescent communication towards sexual and reproductive health issues in south west ethiopia: Parent perspective

BackgroundEven though female adolescents can get information regarding sexual and reproductive issues from different sources, parents are the preferred source of information for most adolescents. ObjectiveThe study was aimed at assessing the parent-female adolescent communication regarding sexual and reproductive health issues in southwest Ethiopia. Method and materialsCommunity-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed among 388 parents of a female adolescent from May 5 to 26, 2021. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.2 and analyzed by the Statistical software package for social science version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were done to identify factors associated with poor parent-female adolescent communication regarding sexual and reproductive health issues. ResultsAccording to this study, 223 (61.9%) parents had poor communication on sexual and reproductive health with their female adolescents. Having no communication difficulties regarding sexual and reproductive health issues[AOR = 0.287;95 %CI:0.167–0.494], poor knowledge of SRH issues[AOR = 2.082;95 %CI:1.222–3.547], in favorable attitude towards parents- female adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication[AOR = 1.847;95 %CI:1.065–3.204], parents didn’t have previous experience of sexual and reproductive health problem[AOR = 3.062;95 %CI:1.779–5.204], parents-whose female adolescent not asked about SRH issues[AOR = 0.434.;95 %CI:0.265–0.743] were the identified statically associated factors with poor parent-female adolescent communication regarding sexual and reproductive health issues. ConclusionsDespite the fact that poor parent–female adolescent communication has many impacts on sexual and reproductive health issues in female adolescents this study showed the status of poor parents-female adolescent communication regarding sexual and reproductive health issues was high. The knowledge, attitude, and communication challenges of parents regarding sexual and reproductive health concerns were found to be the identified factors associated with poor parents-female adolescent sexual and reproductive health communication practices. Thus, creating a positive atmosphere, and effective communication between parents and adolescents through empowering both parents and adolescents can improve the overall sexual and reproductive health issues of the adolescent.

Integrated Sexual Reproductive Health Information, Education And Communication (IEC) Can Increase Couple Compliance With Prospective Bridge In Health Examination In Pontianak City

Background: Cases of maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS in West Kalimantan tend to increase. Every couple needs pregnancy planning so that the mother and baby are born healthy. One of the efforts is the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) program on Reproductive Health, Sexual and Health Examination for Prospective Brides, to prepare couples in a healthy condition.Research Objectives: To determine the implementation and effectiveness of IEC for Reproductive, Sexual Health and Health Examination of Future Brides and Grooms in Pontianak City.Research Methods: This research uses Mixed Methods. Qualitative design is descriptive. Data collection through FGD and interviews with key informants. The quantitative design is an analytical survey. Collecting data using a questionnaire, on 90 Future Bride and Groom taken by purposive sampling.Qualitative Research Results: Executors are adequate and have received training. Flipcharts and posters are available, pocket books have not been fulfilled. Limited supporting facilities. There is an MoU with the KUA, but not yet with the blessing of other religions. Limited delivery time. Materials on nutrition and the husband's role are still few, and there is no environmental health material. 95% future brides and grooms do health check.Quantitative Results The perception of the implementation of IEC showed a significant relationship with the compliance of respondents in the health examination (p = 0.009; OR=4.4).Conclusion: Implementation of IEC for Reproductive Health, Sexual and Health Examination in Future Brides and Grooms is running and effective. Perceptions of the implementation of IEC showed a significant relationship with the compliance of respondents in conducting health checks

Overcome the Fear (Vencer el Miedo): using entertainment education to impact adolescent sexual and reproductive health and parent-child communication in Mexico

BackgroundAdolescents in Mexico experience high pregnancy and birth rates. A collaboration with Grupo Televisa led to the development of an entertainment-education telenovela intervention, Overcome the Fear (OTF), which aired in 2020 to a national audience and addressed adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics. This study details the development and evaluation of OTF’s impact on adolescent contraceptive practices and parent-adolescent SRH communication in Mexico.MethodsWe conducted cross-sectional survey interviews (street-intercept and telephone) with 12–19-year-olds (n = 1640) and parents of adolescent children (n = 820) post-broadcast across Mexico’s five most-populated metropolitan zones. Quotas were implemented for gender, zone, and OTF viewership (viewer vs. non-viewer). Bivariate statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression models assessed the relationship between OTF viewership (including parent-adolescent co-viewing) and adolescent contraceptive practices and parent-adolescent SRH communication. Adolescent and parent data are not dyadic and were analyzed separately.ResultsNearly half of adolescents (47.9%) and parents (47.7%) were viewers. Among adolescents, bivariate analyses suggest that viewers had less negative attitudes towards contraception (p < .001). Logistic regression models suggest that adolescent viewers were more likely to seek out information about contraception (p < .001) and unhealthy romantic relationships (p = .019), and to use contraception other than condoms (p = .027) and dual contraception (p = .042) in the last 3 months. Among parents, bivariate analyses suggest that non-viewers had more positive attitudes towards abstinence (p = .045) and more negative attitudes towards contraception and communication with adolescents about sex (p = .001). Logistic regression models suggest that parent viewers were more likely to have talked with adolescent children about sexual relations (p < .001), contraceptive methods (p = .01), condoms (p = .002), and abstinence (p = .002) in the last 3 months. Parent-adolescent co-viewing of OTF was also significantly related to certain outcomes in bivariate analyses.ConclusionsThis study suggests that viewership of a high-quality entertainment-education telenovela informed by extensive formative research is related to adolescent health outcomes and to parent-adolescent SRH communication on a country-wide scale in Mexico. Entertainment-education remains an underutilized public health strategy, despite its promise to engage viewers and motivate healthful behaviors.

For the LOvE of Reproductive Health Communication: Assessment of the LGBT Oncofertility Education (LOvE) Module.

Purpose: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Oncofertility Education (LOvE) module aims to improve knowledge on providing inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of the module in improving reproductive health communication for the care of LGBTQ AYAs with cancer. Methods: A 10-item multiple-choice pre-test and post-test assessed learner knowledge, with total knowledge scores ranging from 0 (no correct responses) to 10 (all correct responses). A post-module survey and open-ended questions assessed relevance of the module, quality, and appropriateness to professional practice. Paired t-tests analyzed changes in knowledge before and after the module. Content analysis was applied to qualitative responses. Results: Thirty-seven learners completed both the pre-test and post-test. Around 8.1% correctly answered all pre-test questions; 59.5% correctly answered all posttest questions. The average pre-test score was 8.3, versus posttest score of 9.5 (p < 0.0001). Eighty-nine percent of learners strongly agreed that LOvE Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility was relevant to their work; 95% strongly agreed that it was easy to understand and navigate. Open-ended responses highlighted how the module helped learners strengthen the provider-patient relationship in the context of oncofertility, create a safe space for patients, and understand the relevance of educational materials about fertility to LGBTQ patients. Conclusions: We found significant improvement in knowledge of reproductive health care for LGBTQ AYAs with cancer after completing the module. Improving provider knowledge may improve confidence in providing inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ AYAs with cancer, resulting in improved whole-person care.