A Mobile Web Application Enhancing Knowledge and Providing Health Services Concerning Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention Among Akha Adolescents in Chiangrai Province, Northern Thailand

Abstract

Background: Akha adolescents in Chiang Rai lack knowledge about safe sex, the severity of sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancy. This research aimed to develop innovative applications to serve as an important tool for enhancing knowledge and understanding of sexual health.Methods: The study consisted of three phases. The first phase was a survey of the needs of Akha adolescents on Doi Mae Salong and Doi Wawee in Chiang Rai Province, using an exploratory qualitative research method. A semi-structured interview was used with a total of 48 subjects in both the formal and non-formal education system. Data were analyzed by content analysis. The second phase was the designing and development of the mobile web application prototype which was given to a group of 37 people, both males and females to try out. The third phase was to test the users’ knowledge improvement and a questionnaire survey of users’ satisfaction and opinions about the mobile web application using a sample of 108 users. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequency; percentage; mean; and standard deviation including a paired sample t-test.Results: The findings revealed a statistical significance (p ≤ 0.001) in the improvement of users’ knowledge (both males and females) between the pretest (x̅ = 4.15) and the posttest (x̅ = 7.23). Users’ satisfactions were also revealed with their impressions in 3 areas: 1) learning; 2) ease of use; 3) information display. The users found the mobile web application was useful, interesting, and attractive.Conclusions: This innovative application can increase knowledge and practices and prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It can be used in various learning contexts.