Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Health Solutions for SRH Services

Overview

This study analyzes the factors affecting mobile health (mHealth) adoption for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among university students in Ghana, utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Health Belief Model (HBM).

Background

Sexual and reproductive health challenges are significant among young adults in Ghana, characterized by high rates of adolescent pregnancies and STIs, with the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey indicating that about 14% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 have begun childbearing. Traditional healthcare systems often fail to meet the needs of this population due to stigma and limited access to youth-friendly services. Mobile health technologies present a potential solution to improve access to SRH information and services for university students.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial results were provided in the source material, which limits the comprehensiveness of the findings.

Key Findings

• University students in Ghana face high rates of adolescent pregnancies and STIs.
• Mobile health technologies can provide discreet and accessible SRH information.
• Barriers to mHealth adoption include privacy concerns and lack of trust in digital platforms.
• Social and cultural norms discourage open discussions about sexual and reproductive health.
• The UTAUT and HBM frameworks help understand the factors influencing mHealth adoption.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the barriers to mHealth adoption can inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance SRH service delivery among university students.

Conclusion

The integration of UTAUT and HBM provides a framework for exploring mHealth adoption among young adults in Ghana.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2026 -- Determinants of technology adoption among healthcare professionals at Mogadishu hospitals using an extended UTAUT model
2. DIGITAL HEALTH -- Influence of smart device use, online health information seeking, and self-perceived health on health-promoting behaviors among university students
3. DIGITAL HEALTH -- Privacy, stigma, and bio-power: The potential of digital applications in HIV prevention services in the Indonesian context
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9. Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections
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11. Recommendations and key considerations - WHO guideline on preventing early pregnancy and poor reproductive outcomes among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries - NCBI Bookshelf
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