Exploring the Use of Technology for Sexual Health Risk-Reduction among Ecuadorean Adolescents

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of sexual health knowledge and resource access among youth in Latin America, along with rising rates of teenage pregnancy and STD transmission. Objectives: To determine baseline sexual health knowledge and the acceptance of a technology based sexual health risk-reduction program among Ecuadorean adolescents. Methods: We used mixed methods to determine the sexual health knowledge and practices, and technology use among 204 adolescents from two schools in Cumbayá and Lumbisí, Ecuador. Quantitative data was collected through surveys and qualitative through single-gender focus groups. Findings: Nearly every participant (96.6%) expressed interest in a sexual health education program using technology and social media. A majority of participants indicated that they consulted parents (58.3%) regarding sexual health questions. Only a few participants had access to physicians outside of appointments (3.9%), and most desired more sexual health information (87.3%). Although approximately one-quarter of participants were sexually active (27%), most lacked baseline knowledge regarding contraceptives and STDs. Facebook (91%) and WhatsApp (53%) were the most frequently used and requested social media for an educational program. Students indicated a strong desire to be involved in the design stages of a sexual health risk-reduction program, rather than use a pre-established program. Conclusions: There is strong interest in a technology based sexual health risk-reduction program through Facebook and WhatsApp, which could establish communication between health providers and Ecuadorian youth to disseminate health information and answer private inquiries. Findings from this study, the first of its kind among South American adolescents, introduces a novel idea: involving participants from initial design stages of a text-messaging health education program. Future studies should focus on engaging families as well as physicians’ willingness to participate. Implications and Contributions: This paper is the first acceptability study of a technology based sexual health risk-reduction program among low-income South American adolescents. Findings enhance understanding of pregnancy and STD prevention interventions by demonstrating participants’ desire for self-design and implementation, and highlight their importance through a lack of baseline adolescent sexual health knowledge.

Young people’s advisory groups in health research: scoping review and mapping of practices

“…The corresponding authors of all 27 studies were contacted; 21 authors replied. From these, 15 of the 21 studies confirmed they included a YPAG [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] ; the remaining 6 either did not use a YPAG (n=3) [28][29][30] or had YPAG members who were all aged over 18 years (n=3). 31,32,33 For the six studies where authors did not respond, we assumed a YPAG was used based on information provided in the paper.…”

“…The identified studies that used a YPAG covered a range of topics such as cyberbullying, 14 supporting young people in their decision to join a clinical trial, 24 sexual health, 18,22,25 exploring novel mental health treatment options, 13,20 healthy eating interventions, 26 and treatment for conditions such as arthritis 15 and diabetes. 27 All but two of the studies were conducted in high income countries.…”

“…27 All but two of the studies were conducted in high income countries. 25,38 In terms of level and type of involvement, YPAG contribution was identified across all different phases of the research process, but most commonly in the research design phase (Figure 2). YPAGs were usually involved in more than one research phase.…”

Application of Parental Education About Social Media and Adolescent Sexual Behavior

“…[10]The manarche age is influenced by electronic medias. [11]The technology for the sexual health risk reduction through facebook and whatsapp can build communication between the institution that provides information about teenage reproduction health and answering personal questions. [12]INCAR program aims to give information and counseling by their peers through PIK blogs, teenage community in ,facebook, whtsapp and instagram.…”

Foundations of Erobotics

“…And, sometimes people do not necessarily want intimacy with humans (e.g., some doll-owners, robot fetishists, and people with objecto/agalmatophilia; [ 87 , 112 , 158 , 223 ]). Here, technology can democratize eroticism and expand the possibilities of sexual wellness and health, but only if we make it inclusive and accessible (e.g., by considering gender, sexual, and racial diversity, power dynamics, and socioeconomic status; [ 22 , 248 ]).…”