Research Article: Digital Health and Human Rights of Young Adults in Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam: A Qualitative Participatory Action Research Study

Sara L M Davis , Trang Pham, Irene Kpodo, Tara Imalingat, Alex Kilonzo Muthui, Nomtika Mjwana, Tony Sandset, Elsie Ayeh, Do Dang Dong, Kaitlin Large, Cedric Nininahazwe, Timothy Wafula, Nerima Were, Mike Podmore, Allan Maleche, Georgina Caswell

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This research article in the BMJ Global Health journal examines how young adults in Ghana, Kenya, and Vietnam use mobile phones to access online health information and peer support, and the implications for their human rights.

Key insights include:

– Young adults primarily use Google, social media, and chat groups for health information, relying on trusted peer networks and social media health champions.

– Gender inequalities, socioeconomic status, education, and geography create significant obstacles to accessing digital health resources.

– Young adults report harms linked to seeking health information online, including anxiety about phone dependence, risk of surveillance, misinformation, and exposure to cyberbullying.

In conclusion, the study suggests that national health officials should invest in young adults’ digital empowerment and involve them in policy discussions to address the benefits and risks of digital health. Additionally, governments should collaborate to regulate social media and web platforms to uphold the right to health.

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