SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LITERACY AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH OUTCOMES IN NIGERIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF EVIDENCE AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

This narrative review considers the contribution of sexual and reproductive healthliteracy (SRHL) to adolescent health outcomes in Nigeria in the context of ongoing challenges,including high rates of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pooraccess to youth-friendly services. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL) is thecapacity to access, comprehend, critically evaluate, and apply sexual and reproductive healthknowledge to make informed decisions. Evidence suggests that poor SRHL contributes to riskysexual behaviour, low uptake of contraceptives, susceptibility to misinformation, and harmfulsocio-cultural norms. In contrast, improved SRHL is associated with reductions in unintendedpregnancies and STIs, including HIV, as well as better mental and emotional well-being.Adolescents with higher SRHL are more likely to delay sexual debut, practise safer sex, and utilisehealth services. However, progress remains hindered by barriers such as gender inequality, weakschool-based sexuality education, and poor parent–child communication. A narrative review wasconducted using a structured search strategy across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and AJOL.Studies published in English between 2015 and 2026 were retrieved using relevant keywords andBoolean operators. Eligible studies focused on adolescents aged 10–24 years, addressedreproductive health literacy or related concepts, and reported on sexual and reproductive healthoutcomes. Data were screened, extracted, and narratively synthesised. Findings indicate thatinterventions such as community-based programmes, community health workers, sexualityeducation, youth-friendly health services, counselling, mobile health interventions, financialempowerment programmes, and mass media have positive effects on SRHL. Emerging approaches,including smartphone-based tools, school-based interventions, game-based learning, and family-based programmes, also show promise when adapted to socio-cultural contexts. StrengtheningSRHL is therefore critical to improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes in Nigeria,highlighting the need for context-specific, multi-level interventions and sustained policy attention.