Experiences of Youth and Service Providers with Internet-Based Approaches for Delivering Sexual and Reproductive Health Information in Kinondoni Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services, and internet-based approaches are increasingly used to address this gap. This study explored the experiences of youth and service providers in Kinondoni Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam, regarding internet-based delivery of SRH information.

Methods: A phenomenological qualitative design was employed, including 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with youth, 4 IDIs with healthcare workers, 3 IDIs with NGO staff, and 2 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 6 participants each (one male, one female). Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo version 14.

Results: Findings are organized into two main themes: (1) service providers’ perspectives on internet-based approaches, including perceived benefits, limitations, and preferred platforms; and (2) youths’ views on accessibility, effectiveness, and challenges, including preferred digital platforms and content formats, barriers such as cost and misinformation, trust in online sources, and linkage to physical SRH services. Youth emphasized accessibility and interactivity as key enablers, while providers highlighted scalability and confidentiality.

Conclusion: Well-designed internet-based SRH interventions can enhance engagement, complement facility-based services, and support strategies to improve youth access to SRH information and services in Tanzania