The role of information technology in promoting sexual and reproductive health awareness among young people in Lahore: A comparative study with Shanghai.

Information technology use significantly enhances sexual and reproductive health awareness among young people in Lahore.

• IT use had a standardized path coefficient of β=0.42 in the Lahore PLS-SEM model
• The study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of n=250 in Lahore, Pakistan
• Analytical methods included structured questionnaires, PLS-SEM, logistic regression, and ANOVA
• The Lahore model explained R²=0.68 of variance in SRH awareness outcomes

Digital health literacy significantly enhances sexual and reproductive health awareness among youth in Lahore.

• Digital health literacy had a standardized path coefficient of β=0.38 in the Lahore model
• This was the second strongest positive predictor in the Lahore model after IT use (β=0.42)
• Shanghai demonstrated higher digital literacy compared to Lahore, with significant mean differences (p<0.001) found between cities

Trust in digital sources positively influences sexual and reproductive health awareness among youth in Lahore.

• Trust had a standardized path coefficient of β=0.26 in the Lahore model
• Shanghai demonstrated higher trust in digital sources compared to Lahore
• Significant mean differences (p<0.001) were found between cities for trust
• Shanghai's higher trust was attributed to government-certified digital health applications

Cultural barriers exert a strong negative influence on sexual and reproductive health awareness in Lahore.

• Cultural barriers had a standardized path coefficient of β=-0.31 in the Lahore model, indicating a negative relationship
• Lahore exhibited substantially higher cultural barriers compared to Shanghai
• Significant mean differences (p<0.001) were found between cities for cultural barriers
• Cultural norms were identified as a key factor shaping IT effectiveness in promoting SRH awareness

Shanghai demonstrated stronger predictive pathways for SRH awareness than Lahore.

• The Shanghai model explained R²=0.74 of variance in SRH awareness, compared to R²=0.68 for Lahore
• Shanghai showed higher digital literacy, trust, awareness, and use of structured platforms
• The stronger pathways in Shanghai were attributed to institutionalized sex education and government-certified digital health applications
• Significant mean differences (p<0.001) were found between the two cities across key variables

The comparative analysis used primary data from Lahore and secondary data from Shanghai.

• The Lahore component used a cross-sectional design with n=250 participants
• The Shanghai component relied on secondary data for comparative analysis
• Structured questionnaires, PLS-SEM, logistic regression, and ANOVA were the analytical methods employed
• Variables assessed included IT use, digital health literacy, trust in digital sources, cultural barriers, and SRH awareness outcomes

The effectiveness of information technology in promoting SRH awareness is shaped by cultural norms, digital infrastructure, and institutional trust.

• Cultural barriers (β=-0.31) negatively moderated IT's impact on SRH awareness in Lahore
• Institutional trust and government-certified platforms were associated with stronger awareness outcomes in Shanghai
• The findings underscore Pakistan's need to develop culturally appropriate, reliable, and institutionally supported digital health platforms
• The study concludes that IT holds considerable potential but its effectiveness varies across sociocultural contexts