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- Title
Myths and Misinformation: An Analysis of Text Messages Sent to a Sexual and Reproductive Health Q&A Service in Nigeria.
- Authors
Blanc, Ann K.; Glazer, Kimberly; Ofomata‐Aderemi, Uju; Akinfaderin‐Agarau, Fadekemi
- Abstract
The almost 50 million young people aged 10-24 in Nigeria face many challenges to their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). MyQuestion is a platform that allows young people to ask SRH questions via text message. Trained counselors provide responses using a database of answers to frequently asked questions or customized replies. We analyze the content of more than 300,000 text messages received by the service since 2007 to address three questions: which health topics are most frequently submitted to the MyQuestion service; what kinds of questions are asked about these topics; and what language is used to convey the questions? We find a substantial unmet need for basic SRH information, with users' questions communicated in ways that convey considerable confusion, misinformation, and urgency. The analysis can be used to improve similar Q&A services and to improve the provision of SRH services for young people more generally.
- Subjects
NIGERIA; MYTHOLOGY; COMMON misconceptions; REPRODUCTIVE health; MEDICAL care; COMMUNICATION; COMPARATIVE studies; HEALTH education; HEALTH services accessibility; RESEARCH methodology; MEDICAL needs assessment; MEDICAL cooperation; RESEARCH; HUMAN sexuality; TEXT messages; EVALUATION research; FAMILY planning
- Publication
Studies in Family Planning, 2016, Vol 47, Issue 1, p39
- ISSN
0039-3665
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1728-4465.2016.00046.x