JOURNAL OF HUMAN KINETICS & HEALTH EDUCATION PEDAGOGY

IMPACT OF DIGITAL HEALTH TOOLS ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS IN IKERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Reproductive health literacy is essential for improving adolescent well-being, reducing risky behaviours and enhancing informed decision-making. In many developing countries, adolescents face persistent challenges in accessing accurate reproductive health information due to cultural restrictions, stigma and inadequate school-based sexuality education. This study therefore examined the impact of digital health tools on knowledge of reproductive health among female adolescents in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed and a sample of 500 female adolescents was selected through purposive and non-proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using regression analysis and ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. Reliability of the instrument was ensured through the use of split half method and reliability co-efficient(r) of 0.82 was obtained. Findings revealed that digital health tools have significant impact on reproductive health knowledge among female adolescents. Findings also showed that demographic factors significantly affected the use of mobile applications for reproductive health learning; older adolescents and those with higher educational attainment reported greater usage and engagement. The study concluded that digital health tools play vital role in improving reproductive health literacy among female adolescents and that demographic characteristics shape their usage patterns. Therefore, integrating digital health education into school systems and enhancing adolescent-friendly online reproductive health platforms are recommended.