Health information use for improving health behaviour among secondary school students in East Africa:  A Systematic review

Anna Kimaro; Philbert Nyinondi; Wulystan Mtega; Ronald Tarimo

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.4.41

Authors

Anna Kimaro
anna.kimaro@sua.ac.tz
Department of Informatics and Information Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1197-7530
Dr. Philbert Nyinondi Department of Informatics and Information Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6526-533X
Prof. Wulystan Mtega Department of Informatics and Information Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-1878
Dr. Ronald Tarimo Department of Informatics and Information Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6398-7541

Keywords:

East Africa, Health Behaviour, Health Information, Information Access, Secondary School Students

Abstract

This systematic review assesses the use of health information to improve health behaviour among secondary school students in five East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Using the PRISMA methodology, 50 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analysed from a total of 1,873 articles. Most studies (67.34%) were published between 2020 and 2024, with the majority coming from Tanzania (38.77%). Health information sources, such as parents, teachers, and online platforms, are considered credible, with parents and teachers being the most credible. However, inconsistencies, cultural stigmas, and inadequate resources hinder access to these services. The perceived usefulness of information influenced students' health-seeking behaviours, with some studies noting improved practices like safe sex and reduced risky behaviour. Educational strategies, in most cases, do not prioritise boys' specific health needs. The review highlights the importance of designing interventions that consider demographic disparities and recommends further research into these influencing factors.

Dimensions

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