EFFECTS OF SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE-AUGMENTED SEXUALITY EDUCATION INTERVENTIONS ON UTILIZATION OF YOUTH-FRIENDLY SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AMONG YOUTHS IN BENIN-CITY

Abstract

This study examined the effect of SMS-augmented sexuality education on youths’ awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services (YFSRHS) in Benin City, Nigeria. However, access to and utilization of these services remain low in many settings. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, beginning with a needs assessment conducted among 426 proportionately sampled youths from two purposively selected communities, alongside qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and community members. A quasi-experimental design was subsequently implemented using 152 youths selected from the needs-assessment sample and assigned equally to intervention and control groups based on age and gender. Quantitative data were collected using an adapted and validated self-administered questionnaire derived from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and WHO Cleland’s illustrative tools. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The intervention group received SMS-augmented sexuality education messages over a six-week period, while the control group received no intervention. Baseline findings revealed no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in awareness, knowledge, attitudes, or utilization of YFSRHS (p > 0.05). Following the intervention, youths in the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of YFSRHS compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Although awareness levels did not change significantly, significant gains were observed within the intervention group between pre- and post-tests for knowledge, attitudes, and utilization (p < 0.01). Qualitative findings corroborated these results, highlighting improved access to information and increased engagement with YFSRHS through confidential SMS platforms. Minor improvements observed in the control group were attributed to pre-test exposure and participant curiosity. The study concludes that integrating SMS-augmented sexuality education into YFSRHS programs is an effective and scalable strategy for enhancing youth engagement and service utilization, consistent with the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action.