Sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence synthesis and implications

• Published in: Global health action Vol. 16; no. 1; p. 2279841
• Main Authors: Amanu, Adamu, Birhanu, Zewdie, Godesso, Ameyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Ltd 31-12-2023; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Adolescent; Africa South of the Sahara; Health education; Health information; Health Literacy; Health status; Humans; Intervention; Low income areas; Reproductive Health; reproductive health literacy; Review; scoping review; sexual and reproductive health literacy; Sexual Behavior; Sexual health; sexual health literacy; sub-saharan africa; Systematic review; Transparency; young people; Youth; Africa South of the Sahara; Sub-Saharan Africa; reproductive health literacy; young people; Sexual and reproductive health literacy; Sub-Saharan Africa; sexual health literacy; scoping review
• ISSN: 1654-9716; 1654-9880; 1654-9880
• DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2279841

Sexual and reproductive health literacy is a key to attaining and maintaining sexual and reproductive health, especially among young people in low-income countries, such as sub-Saharan Africa. While the importance of sexual and reproductive health literacy is gaining wider recognition, studies on the topic have been mainly concentrated in high-income (developed) countries.
The aim of this study was to provide a coherent summary and synthesis of the available evidence on sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, with implications for policy, interventions, and research.
The review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline to enhance the clarity and transparency of the reporting process. PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, AIM, and Google Scholar were searched for evidence from 18 March to 20 May 2022.
The search provided 2,682 articles in total, of which only 24 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The findings revealed persistent sexual and reproductive health information/knowledge gaps, poor sexual and reproductive health-related knowledge and practices, lack of exercising sexual and reproductive health knowledge, and multiple determinants of sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people, ranging from personal to larger structural conditions.
The review found that sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa is concerning and has not been fully researched. A deeper understanding of the issue is essential for designing and implementing effective interventions to improve sexual and reproductive health literacy and health outcomes among young people.