RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Digital health and human rights of young adults in Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam: a qualitative participatory action research study
JF BMJ Global Health
JO BMJ Global Health
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e011254
DO 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011254
VO 8
IS 5
A1 Davis, Sara L M
A1 Pham, Trang
A1 Kpodo, Irene
A1 Imalingat, Tara
A1 Muthui, Alex Kilonzo
A1 Mjwana, Nomtika
A1 Sandset, Tony
A1 Ayeh, Elsie
A1 Dong, Do Dang
A1 Large, Kaitlin
A1 Nininahazwe, Cedric
A1 Wafula, Timothy
A1 Were, Nerima
A1 Podmore, Mike
A1 Maleche, Allan
A1 Caswell, Georgina
YR 2023
UL http://gh.bmj.com/content/8/5/e011254.abstract
AB Introduction Digital health offers the potential to strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries. However, experts have warned about threats to human rights.Methods We used qualitative methods to investigate how young adults in Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam use their mobile phones to access online health information and peer support, and what they see as the effect on their human rights. We applied a transnational participatory action research approach. Global and national networks of people living with HIV, AIDS activists, young adults and human rights lawyers participated in study design, desk review, digital ethnography, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and qualitative analysis.Results We interviewed 174 young adults ages 18–30 in 24 focus groups in 7 cities in Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam, and held 36 key informant interviews with national and international stakeholders. Young adults reported predominantly using Google, social media and social chat groups for health information. They emphasised reliance on trusted peer networks, and the role of social media health champions. However, gender inequalities, class, education and geography create barriers to online access. Young adults also disclosed harms linked to seeking health information online. Some described anxiety about phone dependence and risk of surveillance. They called for a greater voice in digital governance.Conclusion National health officials should invest in young adults’ digital empowerment, and engage them in policy to address benefits and risks of digital health. Governments should cooperate to demand regulation of social media and web platforms to uphold the right to health.Data are available on reasonable request. Data will be made available by authors on reasonable request, contingent on approval by the national organisations responsible for the study in each country.