Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41945604›Full record

ArticlePLOS global public health2026

Perspectives of adolescents and young people on Digital Health Interventions and their impact on health knowledge.

Paul Macharia, Maiya G Block Ngaybe, Priyanka Ravi, Hellen Moraa, Wadana Hamzazai, Boyani Moikobu, Cyrus Mugo, Christine Ngaruiya

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PLOS global public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Paul MachariaStrathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3564-8873
Maiya G Block NgaybeSchool of Landscape Architecture, College of Architectural Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1251-4618
Priyanka RaviDepartment of Education, Health, and Behavior Studies, College of Education and Human Development, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3432-3436
Hellen MoraaUniversity of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Wadana HamzazaiDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7680-6368
Boyani MoikobuConsulting in Health Informatics, Nairobi, Kenya.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0740-0246
Cyrus MugoUniversity of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Christine NgaruiyaDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Adolescents and young people (AYP) in Kenya face unique health challenges, but there is a lack of research on their health knowledge and awareness needs. Digital health interventions (DHIs) could help address these gaps. Understanding AYP's current knowledge will inform the development of effective, adolescent-centered interventions. Grounded in the inter-agency framework from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNESCO for youth-centered DHIs, this study assessed AYP's health knowledge and awareness in three regions of Kenya. The study focused specifically on HIV, intimate partner violence (IPV), substance use, mental health, sexual health, and nutrition. Additionally, it evaluated AYP's preferences for and use of DHIs. This qualitative study used focus group discussions to assess health knowledge and awareness among AYP 19-24 years of age in Kibra (urban), Kikuyu (peri-urban), and Nachu (rural) Kenya. Participants were purposively selected. Data analysis involved independent coding using MAXQDA and thematic analysis to identify key themes. Seventy participants were included in the study with almost similar gender distribution of 36 female and 34 male participants. Young people in Kenya utilize online resources and apps for health information. Despite a general awareness of health issues, knowledge gaps exist concerning HIV prevention, stigma, and treatment. Participants also linked substance use with mental health problems. Cost of internet use and misinformation were barriers to using DHIs. The participants expressed a preference for future DHIs to enable interaction with peers and experts, include referral services, and prioritize privacy. Our study highlights that a targeted health-related app could benefit many adolescents across Kenya. The participatory design of our study was a notable strength. However, future studies could benefit from a less structured interview guide, allowing for deeper understanding of less common health issues. This research will inform the development of a health-focused DHI for Kenyan AYPs, utilizing a user-centered design approach.

Identifiers

PMID41945604
PMCPMC13056157

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.