Harnessing the Power of Technology to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Youth Health in Nicaragua: A Randomized Field Study

Abstract

Introduction: Nicaragua is among the poorest countries in Latin America and has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the region. One in four of pregnancies are adolescents and they are more likely to experience poverty and gender and economic inequality. Method: This pilot randomized field study assessed use, satisfaction, and impact of a brief e-learning short-term intervention to improve the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, skills, motivations, and behaviors among 14–17-year-old Nicaraguan youth. Results: While access to technology and internet were significant barriers, App and email delivery channels were feasible means for communicating with youth who had access to the internet and mobile devices. Youth who used the app were most likely to complete the entire intervention. Youth were very satisfied with the intervention (98%) and significantly improved SRH knowledge, skills and motivations, and delayed age at the first sexual encounter. Conclusion: Results are promising and indicate potential for the scalability of this type of intervention.