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Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Information among Adolescent Girls in the Sipepa Community, Tsholotsho District, Zimbabwe

Author

Listed:
  • Thabo Ayibongwe Gulu

    (Health Information National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo)

  • Esabel Maisiri

    (Health Information National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo)

  • Godwin Dzangare

    (Health Information National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo)

Abstract

This study examines access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information among adolescent girls in the Sipepa Community, Tsholotsho District, Zimbabwe, from which there were high rates of early teenage pregnancy at the time of the study. Using Buckland’s six factors of information access, a qualitative cross-sectional design was employed to gain deeper insights into the research question. Teachers and health workers were selected purposively for the study, because they were mandated to provide SRH services to the target population. The study ascertained that SRH information was moderately available. Various organisations and programmes were named as the pathways in availing SRH information to the adolescent girls in the Sipepa Community. In spite of this, adolescent girls in the community still struggled to effectively access SRH information. The information resources packaged in a foreign language (English) and inadequately focused SRH programmes were among the causal factors of this inability to effectively access SRH information. Therefore, the study recommends that SRH information providers be trained to be culturally sensitive when delivering SRH education, senior students be empowered to mentor peers, and community awareness initiatives at health facilities be enhanced to meet the community’s information needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Thabo Ayibongwe Gulu & Esabel Maisiri & Godwin Dzangare, 2026. "Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Information among Adolescent Girls in the Sipepa Community, Tsholotsho District, Zimbabwe," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(2), pages 5972-5984, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:2:p:5972-5984
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Williams, 2014. "Models, Metaphors and Symbols for Information and Knowledge Systems," Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, Fundacja Upowszechniająca Wiedzę i Naukę "Cognitione", vol. 10(1), pages 79-107.
    2. Michael Buckland, 1991. "Rejoinder to “Information as thing”," Journal of the American Society for Information Science, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 42(10), pages 758-758, December.
    3. Le Mat, Marielle L.J. & Kosar-Altinyelken, Hülya & Bos, Henny M.W. & Volman, Monique L.L., 2019. "Discussing culture and gender-based violence in comprehensive sexuality education in Ethiopia," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 207-215.
    4. Michael K. Buckland, 1991. "Information as thing," Journal of the American Society for Information Science, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 42(5), pages 351-360, June.
    5. Lilian Mutea & Susan Ontiri & Francis Kadiri & Kristien Michielesen & Peter Gichangi, 2020. "Access to information and use of adolescent sexual reproductive health services: Qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators in Kisumu and Kakamega, Kenya," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, November.
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