Sexual and reproductive health literacy is a key to attaining and maintaining sexual and reproductive health, especially among young people in low-income countries, such as sub-Saharan Africa. While the importance of sexual and reproductive health literacy is gaining wider recognition, studies on the topic have been mainly concentrated in high-income (developed) countries. The aim of this study was to provide a coherent summary and synthesis of the available evidence on sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, with implications for policy, interventions, and research. The review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline to enhance the clarity and transparency of the reporting process. PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, AIM, and Google Scholar were searched for evidence from 18 March to 20 May 2022. The search provided 2,682 articles in total, of which only 24 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The findings revealed persistent sexual and reproductive health information/knowledge gaps, poor sexual and reproductive health-related knowledge and practices, lack of exercising sexual and reproductive health knowledge, and multiple determinants of sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people, ranging from personal to larger structural conditions. The review found that sexual and reproductive health literacy among young people in sub-Saharan Africa is concerning and has not been fully researched. A deeper understanding of the issue is essential for designing and implementing effective interventions to improve sexual and reproductive health literacy and health outcomes among young people.

Background: Health literacy has critical health implications. Health literacy in young people is a pressing matter as it determines their current and future health. Although health literacy research is increasing, there are limited health literacy studies from Africa. The aim of this study was to provide a coherent summary and synthesis of the available health literacy studies among young people in Africa. Methods: A systematic scoping review was chosen to attain the aim of this study. PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, JBI EBP, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were searched for evidence. Based on JBI’s methodology for reviews, a three-step search strategy was employed. The search was conducted up to April 20, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was used to ensure a transparent reporting of the review process. Results: The search for evidence identified 386 records, of which 53 were selected and their full texts were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies matched the eligibility criteria. The main findings of the eligible studies are: health literacy levels, association between health literacy and health outcomes, and predictors of health literacy among young people. Low health literacy was common among young people, and there was a significant association between low health literacy and negative health outcomes among this group. Health literacy among young people was impacted by a wide range of socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: Health literacy studies among young people in Africa were rare. Although the reviewed studies shed some light on health literacy levels, the association between health literacy and health outcomes, and the predictors of health literacy among young people, they may not give an accurate picture of health literacy among young people, for several reasons. Both primary and secondary health literacy studies are needed to fully understand the issue, and to develop and guide policies and interventions in Africa.

Background: Health literacy plays a pivotal role in healthcare utilization and health-related lifestyle choices. This makes health literacy a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where there are intricate health challenges. Despite its significance, there is a dearth of studies on the issue in Ethiopia. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on health literacy in Ethiopia, and to discuss the implications for healthcare practice, health promotion, and research endeavors. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted to achieve the purpose of this study. A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, and PLOS Global Public Health was conducted for eligible evidence. Searches were conducted from May 12 to September 9, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was utilized to ensure transparent reporting of the reviews process. The data extraction tool used was based on the JBI methodology guidance for reviews. Results: The search in total yielded 543 records. However, only 16 studies met the eligibility criteria after a thorough screening process. All eligible studies were conducted in health facilities and schools with limited scopes. The main findings of the eligible studies focused on health literacy levels, health information sources, and health literacy determinants among the studies participants. Many of the studies reported low health literacy levels and multiple predicting factors ranging from personal to socioeconomic conditions among the respondents. Conclusion: This review has provided critical insights into the state of health literacy in Ethiopia. There is a need for comprehensive research and the development of context-appropriate health literacy measurements tailored to the Ethiopian context, as well as evidence-based health literacy interventions. Prioritizing health literacy as a key research and intervention area is essential for improving the health of individuals and populations and achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia. Plain Language Summary: Health literacy is a vital factor in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals, as it influences individuals’ healthcare utilization and health-related lifestyle decisions in their daily lives. Therefore, it is a pressing matter for low-income countries like Ethiopia, where health problems stemming from unhealthy lifestyle choices and poor healthcare utilization are on the rise and adding burden to the existing health problems. This review indicates that health literacy in Ethiopia is problematic, and it underscores the need for comprehensive health literacy research or a deeper understanding of the issue, and effective interventions.

Social media use among adolescents is becoming increasingly common worldwide. While social media use has many benefits for everyone, it can also pose risks especially for adolescents, depending on how and why they use it. Therefore, it is an important research and public agenda, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia where there is an increasingly growing social media use among adolescents in these days. This study aimed to assess social media use, effects, and parental mediation among school adolescents in Ethiopia. The study employed concurrent triangulation cross-sectional study design. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select 227 participants, including adolescents and parents. Descriptive statistics were used to present, analyze, and interpret the quantitative data using SPSS software version 20.0. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The findings were then triangulated. The study found that the majority (86.3%) of the respondents were widely using various social media platforms for different purposes. Both adolescents and parents reported that adolescents were experiencing both positive and negative effects from social media use, including academic, mental, social, and health related aspects. However, adolescents emphasized the positive effects, while parents stressed the negative effects more. The study also found that many parents were supportive of their children's social media use for educational purposes, but most do not have control over or do not supervise their children's social media usage. The study recommends that the government, schools, parents, and other concerned bodies work together to improve understanding of and promote safe social media usage among adolescents.

Adolescence is an essential stage of life during which individuals develop knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that can have significant impacts on their present and future health. Therefore, health literacy issue among adolescents is a pressing matter. Understanding adolescents’ perspectives of health literacy is crucial for making informed interventions. However, the topic remains unexplored in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study seeks to explore adolescents’ perspectives of health literacy within their socio-environmental context in Ethiopia and draw out the implications. This study employed qualitative research approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as methods of data collection. Data collection took place from March to October 2023, involving 86 participants (41 male and 45 female) selected through purposive sampling (maximum variation sampling) to capture a wide range of perspectives on the issue. The data analysis followed a thematic analysis approach, using Atlas.ti (version 7.5.18) software. From the adolescents’ perspectives, health literacy or being health literate is regarded as comprising various competencies and qualities essential for health, including health awareness and knowledge, abilities to deal with health information, practicing healthy behaviors, upholding healthy norms and values of the community, and being a responsible citizen. The adolescents regard health literacy or being health literate as highly beneficial in healthcare, disease prevention, health maintenance and enhancement, and in taking responsibility not only for ones’ own health but also for the health of others, thereby benefiting those around them and their community and society. However, this study found notable gaps in health literacy among the adolescents, influenced by various factors ranging from individual to community and societal levels. The study explored health literacy from adolescents’ perspectives in Ethiopia, and contributed to understanding of the issue. It identified notable gaps in adolescent health literacy and provided insights into the enabling and hindering factors. This study laid the ground for developing a health literacy tool sensitive to the Ethiopian sociocultural context and for broader studies to enhance understanding and to develop effective interventions to improve and promote health literacy among adolescents and within the broad society.

Background: Health literacy (HL) among adolescents is a crucial public health and health equity issue. Currently, research on HL among adolescents is expanding to support effective, evidence-based interventions. However, in Ethiopia, it remains under-researched. Thus, this study focuses on HL among adolescents in Ethiopia. It examines adolescents’ HL profiles, identifies and analyzes existing HL inequalities, and ascertains the implications for developing targeted public health strategies and educational programs aimed at improving HL among adolescents. Methods: This study employed a school-based, cross-sectional survey design. Data collection took place in January and February 2024. Data analysis comprised both descriptive and inferential statistics, using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographics and HL scores and statuses. Chi-square tests examined disparities in HL across these sociodemographics. Binary logistic regression analyses identified significant predictors of HL among adolescents. Results: A total of 722 adolescents participated in this study, and only about one-quarter of them had adequate HL, with extreme disparities observed across sociodemographic and related factors. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between HL and school type, parents’ education, household income, Internet access, academic performance, interest in health matters, and outlooks on life/futurity. Logistic regression analyses further indicated that respondents having fathers with high education (AOR=1.824, 95% CI=1.126, 2.954), mothers with high education (AOR=1.942, 95% CI=1.154, 3.268), middle household income (AOR=3.819, 95% CI=2.197, 6.636), high household income (AOR=4.583, 95% CI=2.582, 8.137), high academic performance (AOR=3.275, 95% CI=1.472, 7.285), and positive outlooks on life/futurity (AOR=1.948, CI=1.060, 3.582) were more likely to have adequate HL. Respondents lacking Internet access (AOR=0.146, 95% CI=0.069, 0.309) and having low interest in health matters (AOR=0.196, 95% CI=0.096, 0.401) were less likely to have adequate HL. Conclusion: This study investigates HL among adolescents in Ethiopia, revealing a high prevalence of inadequate HL and disparities that contribute to broader health inequalities in society. To address this, the study calls for targeted policies and interventions, including formal HL education in schools. Plain Language Summary: Given that health knowledge, skills, and behaviors developed during adolescence often persist throughout life, influencing an individual’s healthcare and health protection and enhancement practices, HL among adolescents is a vital healthcare and public health issue. This research examines HL among adolescents in Ethiopia, and finds it to be a significant concern requiring adequate attention. The study identifies key strategies to address the issue, including the integration of comprehensive and developmentally appropriate health education across schools, communities, and healthcare systems. It emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, family and multispectral engagement, and supportive policies that address underlying social determinants and ensure equitable access to health information and resources through sustained monitoring and evaluation.