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Meherali S, Rahim KA, Campbell S, Lassi ZS. Does Digital Literacy Empower Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2022; 9:761394. [PMID: 34976923 PMCID: PMC8716589 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.761394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The vast majority (90%) of the world's adolescents aged 10–19 live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); and in those resource-limited settings, girls face distinct challenges across multiple health, social, and economic domains. Gender equality and girls' empowerment are key goals in their own right and are central to all other development goals. Digital literacy is a great enabler for the empowerment of young girls. This systematic review aims to assess the range and nature of digital literacy interventions implemented to empower adolescent girls in LMICs and identify evidence about adolescent girls' access and use of digital technologies in LMICs. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards for systematic reviews. Two reviewers selected studies, conducted quality assessments, and extracted data by using standard forms. The collected data include the design of the study, type of digital literacy intervention, target audience, intervention received, intervention reach, data analysis, and study outcomes. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020216756). Results: Thirty-five studies met the eligibility for inclusion and of those, 11 were experimental studies (randomized controlled trial = 6; quasi-experimental = 2; before-after with no control = 3), 11 were cross-sectional/descriptive studies, seven studies used a mixed-method approach, and six were qualitative studies on digital literacy interventions to empower young girls in LMICs. The majority of digital literacy interventions were designed and implemented to improve sexual and reproductive health rights and decision-making of adolescent girls in LMICs (n = 33). Only three papers reported the use of digital media for health-related information and decision making, while only one reported on educational and social empowerment. Discussion: Our findings suggest that digital literacy interventions such as mobile phones, mobile health tools, media exposure, access to the internet, internet-based educational strategies, social media exposure are effective to empower adolescent girls to access health services and information and also enhance the access to educational resources. However, we found inconclusive evidence on the effectiveness of digital literacy to enhance girls' access to financial services and economic empowerment. More rigorous studies with long-term follow-ups to assess the effectiveness of such interventions to empower adolescent girls in LMICs are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Meherali
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Sandra Campbell
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Department of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Faye SLB, Krumkamp R, Doumbia S, Tounkara M, Strauss R, Ouedraogo HG, Sagna T, Barry AM, Mbawah AK, Doumbia CO, Diouf S, Cisse K, Harding M, Donven P, May J, Puradiredja DI, Fusco D. Factors influencing hesitancy towards adult and child COVID-19 vaccines in rural and urban West Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059138. [PMID: 35418436 PMCID: PMC9013792 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims: (1) to identify and describe similarities and differences in both adult and child COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and (2) to examine sociodemographic, perception-related and behavioural factors influencing vaccine hesitancy across five West African countries. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey carried out between 5 May and 5 June 2021. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 4198 individuals from urban and rural settings in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone participated in the survey. STUDY REGISTRATION The general protocol is registered on clinicaltrial.gov. RESULTS Findings show that in West Africa at the time only 53% of all study participants reported to be aware of COVID-19 vaccines, and television (60%, n=1345), radio (56%; n=1258), social media (34%; n=764) and family/friends/neighbours (28%; n=634) being the most important sources of information about COVID-19 vaccines. Adult COVID-19 vaccine acceptance ranges from 60% in Guinea and 50% in Sierra Leone to 11% in Senegal. This is largely congruent with acceptance levels of COVID-19 vaccinations for children. Multivariable regression analysis shows that perceived effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines increased the willingness to get vaccinated. However, sociodemographic factors, such as sex, rural/urban residence, educational attainment and household composition (living with children and/or elderly), and the other perception parameters were not associated with the willingness to get vaccinated in the multivariable regression model. CONCLUSIONS Primary sources of information about COVID-19 vaccines include television, radio and social media. Communication strategies addressed at the adult population using mass and social media, which emphasise COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and safety, could encourage greater acceptance also of COVID-19 child vaccinations in sub-Saharan countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04912284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Landry B Faye
- Department of Sociology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ralf Krumkamp
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- Département d'Enseignement et de Recherche en Santé Publique et Spécialités, Faculté de Médecine et d'OdontoStomatologie- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies, USTTB, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Moctar Tounkara
- Département d'Enseignement et de Recherche en Santé Publique et Spécialités, Faculté de Médecine et d'OdontoStomatologie- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies, USTTB, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Ricardo Strauss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henri Gautier Ouedraogo
- Biomedical and Public Health Department, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Centre, Burkina Faso
| | - Tani Sagna
- Biomedical and Public Health Department, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Centre, Burkina Faso
| | - Alpha Mahmoud Barry
- Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry. Santé Plus Organization, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Abdul Karim Mbawah
- University of Sierra Leone, College of Medical - Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone
| | - Cheick Oumar Doumbia
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
- Département d'Enseignement et de Recherche en Santé Publique et Spécialités, Faculté de Médecine et d'OdontoStomatologie- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies, USTTB, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Souleymane Diouf
- Department of Sociology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kadari Cisse
- Biomedical and Public Health Department, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Centre, Burkina Faso
| | - Mohamed Harding
- University of Sierra Leone, College of Medical - Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone
| | - Paule Donven
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen May
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dewi Ismajani Puradiredja
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Fusco
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany, Hamburg, Germany
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Impact of Information and Communication Technology Diffusion on HIV and Tuberculosis Health Outcomes among African Health Systems. INFORMATICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/informatics7020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Debate regarding the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on health outcomes has prompted researchers to conduct analyses across many parts of the globe, yet, still little is known about the ICT impact in the African continent. Using a robust multivariate approach, this study examined system-wide impact of ICT diffusion on multiple health outcomes for HIV and tuberculosis among sovereign countries of Africa. This study utilized longitudinal panel data from the World Bank and International Telecommunication Union databases between 2000 and 2016. We relied on a robust linear dynamic panel model to incorporate lagged time variables to estimate the relationships between ICT infrastructure (mobile phone use, internet access, and fixed-telephone subscriptions) and HIV and tuberculosis outcomes. Econometric analyses found that the coefficients of the aggregate ICT variables were all negative (except for fixed telephones) for tuberculosis health measures and HIV prevalence, and positive for access to antiretroviral therapy. The diffusion of mobile phones and internet was associated with decreased incidence of tuberculosis, HIV prevalence, and tuberculosis mortality rates. However, increased diffusion of these three ICT tools was associated with increased access to antiretroviral therapy. Thus, African governments should identify investment strategies for adopting and implementing ICT to improve population health outcomes.
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Adams RM, Riess H, Massey PM, Gipson JD, Prelip ML, Dieng T, Glik DC. Understanding where and why Senegalese adolescents and young adults access health information: A mixed methods study examining contextual and personal influences on health information seeking. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 10:116-148. [PMID: 29628992 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2017.1313627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Adolescent and young adult years are critical to the development of behaviors that influence health across the life course. To reveal which health communication channels should be used to effectively reach and influence younger populations in Senegal, we used a mixed methods approach to identify and interpret the multifaceted influences surrounding where and why this population accesses health information. Methods We conducted 16 focus group discussions among adolescents and young adults in Senegal in September 2012. We then collected survey data from a larger, more diverse sample of Senegalese youth in October-November 2014. Results Our results demonstrate that information sources vary by health topic, differential access, age, and other demographics. While there is a greater perception of credibility and usefulness in information received from health professionals, stigma remains a barrier for obtaining information about HIV/AIDS from health centers. Older youth are also less likely to seek health information from adults, which may be influenced by preferred use of information technologies, especially for information about taboo health topics. Conclusions Our findings support multi-pronged, targeted approaches to health communication efforts. We recommend that doctors continue to provide actionable information about preventing or treating specific diseases, whereas teachers should educate youth about general health topics and health promotion behaviors. The results suggest that traditional mass media, such as radio and television, are the best communication channels for information about HIV and sexual/reproductive health, especially for older adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Adams
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helene Riess
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Philip M Massey
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica D Gipson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael L Prelip
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thierno Dieng
- Regional Centre for Training, Research and Advocacy on Reproductive Health (CEFOREP), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Deborah C Glik
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Massey PM, Boansi RK, Gipson JD, Adams RM, Riess H, Dieng T, Prelip ML, Glik DC. Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccine receptivity among Senegalese adolescents. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:113-121. [PMID: 27754581 PMCID: PMC5205573 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine HPV vaccine awareness and receptivity among adolescents and young adults in Senegal. METHODS Participants from six high schools and five community centres across five regions of Senegal (n = 2286) completed a self-administered questionnaire in October and November 2014. The study assessed HPV awareness and receptivity towards receiving the HPV vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression explored statistically significant relationships between the predictor variables and both outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-seven percent had heard of HPV. Among those who had heard of HPV (n = 616), only 28% indicated willingness to vaccinate. Multivariable analysis showed that respondents from rural areas had 63% higher odds (95% CI: 1.24, 2.12) of having heard of HPV than those in urban areas. Respondents with fathers who had completed higher education had 41% higher odds (95% CI: 1.04, 1.92) of being aware of HPV (P < 0.05); however, every level of father's education (as compared to no education at all) was negatively associated with willingness to vaccinate. Respondents who had previously spoken to a healthcare professional about the HPV vaccine had 80% higher odds (95% CI: 1.16, 2.81) of willingness to vaccinate than those who did not speak to a provider about the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare providers and parents are important stakeholders in disseminating HPV vaccine information. Given the overall low levels of awareness, there is a great opportunity for public health communication efforts to craft health messaging and information in a way to maximise receptivity, outlining benefits and providing information on the minimal risks associated with the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M. Massey
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ruth K. Boansi
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jessica D. Gipson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Rachel M. Adams
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Helene Riess
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Thierno Dieng
- CEFOREP, Maternité Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Michael L. Prelip
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Deborah C. Glik
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
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