Harnessing E-Health for Adolescent Sexual Health in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Roadmap for Implementation

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is grappling with alarming adolescent sexual health problems, including high HIV/AIDS rates and unintended pregnancies. E-health solutions offer a promising solution. This study systematically reviewed e-health interventions for adolescent sexual health in SSA, analysed studies published between 2013 and 2024, and proposed a roadmap for effective implementation to improve adolescent sexual health outcomes.

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, this study searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AJOL for e-health interventions targeting adolescent sexual health in SSA. Studies were analysed for relevance, quality, and gaps. Findings were interpreted through the bi-theoretical lenses of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT).

Out of 139 eligible studies, 17 met the inclusion criteria for this review. The findings highlight the effectiveness of e-health interventions and e-health tools and the barriers to their implementation, including gaps in policy support and digital access, alongside cultural and social factors that shape adolescents' receptiveness to these technologies. The review further showed that e-health integration is promising for improving adolescent sexual health.

E-health solutions hold great promise to improve the sexual health of adolescents in SSA. However, successful implementation must address infrastructure gaps, offer educators and health workers training, and ensure cultural sensitivity. Policymakers should update policies to bridge the digital divide and protect data privacy. This study provides a roadmap with key recommendations for stakeholders to effectively promote adolescent sexual health through e-health.