Social Sciences

Health Information Seeking Behavior Among Urban Youth in South Sudan: Implications for Digital Health Literacy

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| Published March 29, 2026

Abstract

This research explores how urban youth in South Sudan seek, evaluate, and use health information in the digital age. With increasing smartphone penetration among young people, understanding their information-seeking patterns is crucial for designing effective health communication strategies. The study identifies key sources, trust factors, and barriers to accessing reliable health information.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 800 youth aged 15-24 in Juba, Wau, and Malakal. The survey instrument assessed health information sources, digital literacy levels, trust in various media, and health behaviors. Focus group discussions with 120 participants provided qualitative depth to the quantitative findings.

Key Findings

Social media was the primary health information source for 67% of respondents, with Facebook and WhatsApp being most popular. Only 34% could identify reliable health sources from misinformation. Factors influencing trust included source authority (78%), peer recommendations (65%), and visual presentation (54%). Digital health literacy interventions are urgently needed.

References

1. Norman & Skinner (2023). eHealth Literacy Framework. 2. BBC Media Action (2023). Youth and Health Information in East Africa. 3. South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics (2023). Youth Demographics Report.

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Publication Details

Category
Social Sciences
Published
Mar 29, 2026
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