Frequency and perceived credibility of reported sources of reproductive health information among primary school adolescents in Arusha, Tanzania.
OBJECTIVE
To describe adolescents' sources of reproductive health information and perceived credibility of these sources.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1247 seventh grade pupils in Arusha district; enquiring their sources of reproductive health information and perceived credibility of these sources. Mean scores were computed for each type of information in relation to frequency of source and credibility, and scales for reproductive health information sources and credibility constructed. Analysis of covariance was used to compare mean scores by demographic and sexual behaviour variables.


RESULTS
Mass media ranked first as sources of reproductive health information, followed by teachers and health workers. Health workers ranked first in credibility followed by parents, while credibility rating for media was low. Religious leaders and respondents' friends played a rather minor role as sources of reproductive health information, and their credibility ratings were also low.


CONCLUSIONS
Mass media were the most frequent sources of reproductive health information for primary school adolescents, but parents and health workers were regarded as more credible sources. Programmes seeking to promote reproductive health of young people should take into account the diverse arenas through which young people currently obtain reproductive health information, and strive to tap into and strengthen the full range of these arenas. Increased involvement of parents and health workers in providing reproductive health information to young people seem indispensable.
Masatu
Melkiory C
MC
Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway. cmasatu@yahoo.com
Kvåle
Gunnar
G
Klepp
Knut-Inge
KI
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003146:Communications Media; D003267:Contraception; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D021841:Safe Sex; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology