Developing an evidence base to inform innovative m-health approaches to sexual and reproductive health information and services for youth in Australia and Hong Kong

Project Member(s): Dawson, A.

Start year: 2015

Summary: The importance of health promotion for the prevention of sexual and reproductive health disease and disability (Starfield, Shi & Macinko 2005) and associated social costs is well known and acknowledged as a sound investment (Singh et al. 2003). Australia and Hong Kong have government policies that recognise the importance of health promotion to deliver preventive health programs targeted at risk factors including sexual and reproductive health determinants in communities (Australia 2010; Health 2007). There is very little research examining m-health applications in SRH in Australia or Hong Kong. Studies in Australia have focus on reminder apps and simple message communication during events (Gold 2011b, 2011a). No studies can be located in this field of research in Hong Kong We intend to investigate how m-health can be more user-centred and driven which to date is unexplored. This project will develop a research collaboration to undertake m-health intervention research in youth sexual and reproductive health promotion (YSRHP) in Australia and Hong Kong. We will: Identify significant knowledge gaps and evidence in the field and undertake a systematic review. Map potential interventions and applications including m-health in reproductive health contexts and undertake a review of interventions

Publications:

Varol, N, Hall, JJ, Black, K, Turkmani, S & Dawson, A 2017, 'Evidence-based policy responses to strengthen health, community and legislative systems that care for women in Australia with female genital mutilation / cutting', Reproductive Health, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-8.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Keywords: M-Health, Adolescents, sexual ad reproductive health

FOR Codes: Primary Health Care, Health Education and Promotion, Preventive Medicine, Child Health, Public Health and Health Services, Community Child Health, Health Promotion, Public health, Community child health , Public health (excl. specific population health), Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health), Evaluation of health and support services

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.