Factors Influencing Health Information Accessibility Among Secondary School Students in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Access to health information is critical for secondary school students to make informed health decisions and adopt healthy behaviours. Access to such information is shaped by demographic, technological, cultural, and academic factors. This study investigated determinants of access to health information among secondary school students in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. The objectives were to identify factors associated with the availability of health information and to assess the magnitude and direction of these associations. The research was guided by the Ecological Health Information Seeking Model (EHIS) and employed a mixed-methods approach with a cross-sectional design. The selected schools had a total population of 4,752 students. From selected classes, 800 students formed the sampling frame, and Yamane’s formula was used to obtain a sample of 271 students. For the qualitative component, 99 teachers were purposively selected as key informants. Additionally, 10 focus group discussions, each comprising six students, were conducted, resulting in 60 student participants. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained via focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed significant differences in students’ technological literacy in accessing health information (p < 0.05), with high proficiency observed in the use of social media and search engines. Age, grade level, participation in special training, computer literacy, and the availability of health information sources were positively associated with access to health information. Traditional beliefs emerged as a major barrier, particularly concerning sensitive topics such as sexual and reproductive health. Qualitative data corroborated the quantitative results, indicating that fear, stigma, and restrictive social norms constrain open discussion and access to health information among students. The study concludes that access to health information among secondary school students is influenced not only by the existence of demographic, technological, knowledge-based, and traditional factors, as well as the availability of information sources, but also by their interactions. Although digital platforms facilitate access, cultural barriers and limited digital health literacy persist as significant challenges. The study recommends strengthening school-based access to health information on all health topics, integrating digital health literacy into the curriculum, and promoting culturally sensitive policies that support adolescent-friendly access to health information.