The internet is a favored SRHR information source among youth in Senegal due to its accessibility and anonymity, while parent-adolescent communication remains limited, necessitating new SRHR communication strategies that integrate family dynamics with digital platforms.
Key Findings
Results
The internet is the preferred source of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information among adolescents and young adults in Senegal.
The internet was favored because it provides accessible and confidential information
Internet use enables anonymous access to SRHR information, mitigating societal stigmatization
Data were gathered through 31 in-depth interviews and 46 focus group discussions
Participants included adolescents, young adults, parents, youth service providers, and community leaders
Results
Health care providers and teachers are perceived as reliable sources of SRHR information by youth in Senegal.
Health care providers and teachers were regarded as trustworthy due to their knowledge, skills, and training
This perception was identified through qualitative content analysis of interviews and focus group discussions
Both formal (health system) and educational institutional sources were recognized as credible by participants
Results
Parent-adolescent communication about SRHR is limited in Senegal.
The study identified restricted communication between parents and adolescents on sexual and reproductive health topics
This finding emerged across multiple participant groups including both parents and adolescents
Limited family communication was noted as a contributing factor to youth seeking information elsewhere, including online
Methods
The study used a qualitative methodology involving multiple stakeholder groups to explore SRHR information-seeking behaviors.
Data collection included 31 in-depth interviews and 46 focus group discussions
Participants represented diverse groups: adolescents, young adults, parents, youth service providers, and community leaders
Data were analyzed using content analysis
The study was conducted in Senegal
Conclusions
New SRHR communication strategies in Senegal need to integrate family dynamics with the influence of social media and digital platforms.
Authors call for strategies that 'harmoniously integrate family dynamics with the influence of social media and digital platforms'
This recommendation is framed as a response to 'ongoing social change'
Comprehensive research is identified as essential to understand how the internet can be used for effective SRHR communication among youth in Senegal
What This Means
This research suggests that young people in Senegal are increasingly turning to the internet to find information about sexual and reproductive health, largely because it allows them to search privately and anonymously without fear of judgment or stigma. The study gathered perspectives from a wide range of people — including teenagers, young adults, parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and community leaders — through interviews and group discussions. It found that while healthcare providers and teachers are seen as knowledgeable and trustworthy, many young people still prefer online sources because conversations about sexual health within families remain rare or uncomfortable.
The findings highlight a significant gap between where young people are seeking health information (the internet) and the traditionally trusted sources adults might expect them to use (parents, healthcare providers). The internet's appeal lies in its ability to provide information discreetly, which is particularly important in a social context where discussing sexual and reproductive health can carry stigma. However, the quality and accuracy of online information is not guaranteed, raising concerns about misinformation.
This research suggests that public health efforts in Senegal should not simply try to steer youth away from online sources, but instead develop communication strategies that blend digital and family-based approaches. By acknowledging the role of social media and digital platforms while also working to improve parent-child communication about sexual health, programs may be more effective at reaching young people with accurate, supportive information. The authors also call for further research into how the internet is specifically being used for sexual health information in this context.
Camara C, Wouango J, Diallo R, Dieng T, Diawara K, Michielsen K, et al.. (2025). Exploring youth information seeking on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Senegal.. African journal of reproductive health. https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i4.14