The media as a critical determinant of the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria

• Adolescents living in vulnerable communities in Ibadan have access to various media.
• Male adolescents are more proficient in the use of the Internet.
• The media influences the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of the adolescents.
• Adolescent health providers reach out to adolescents via various media channels.
• There is need to increase use of the media to disseminate SRH information to adolescents.

PurposeFindings on the influences of the media on the sexual health of adolescents in vulnerable communities in Ibadan are presented.MethodsPhase I of the WAVE study in Ibadan was conducted among participants purposively selected from disadvantaged communities in Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA). Qualitative research methods (key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, community mapping and focus group discussions as well as photovoice sessions) were utilized.ResultsA total of 132 key informants and adolescents (aged 15–19 years) participated. The key informants were teachers, youth workers, and religious leaders working with adolescents within the LGA. Respondents mentioned a number of media technologies (such as television, cellphones, computers, the Internet as well as online and hard copy novels) that adolescents are exposed to in contemporary times. They said these had positive and negative influences on them. Adolescents often looked up information on the Internet although it was mostly used as a means of meeting and communicating with friends. Respondents stated that the media had a strong influence on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health especially regarding dating, relationships, and sexual practices. It also exposed them to pornography and Internet fraud.ConclusionsThe study highlighted the important role the media plays in the sexual health of adolescents in Ibadan. Intervention programmes need to make use of this medium to reach out to more adolescents and measures should be instituted to prevent adolescents from misusing the media.