Reproductive health has emerged as a global concern since 1994, with maternal deaths primarily linked to pregnancy and delivery, particularly in middle- to low-income countries1. Adolescent girls aged 10 to 14 face a higher risk of complications and death during pregnancy2. Equipping adolescents with reproductive health knowledge before conception, during pregnancy, and post-childbirth is crucial in preventing unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and related consequences, ultimately saving lives3. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a benchmark for total fertility rates (TFR) at 2.1 individuals. A TFR below this threshold can impact the labor force and contribute to an aging society, thereby affecting a nation's economy and social fabric4,5. WHO's research reveals a significant proportion of maternal deaths worldwide are linked to pregnancy and childbirth, with a staggering 94% occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Notably, adolescent girls aged 10-14 face a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications and fatalities. This is partly attributed to inadequate reproductive health knowledge, a lack of skills, limited access to online health information, and insufficient planning abilities among health providers6-8. Moreover, there is a deficiency in interpersonal communication, capacity for problem-solving, and effective use of technology as a tool in their work6,9. Addressing these challenges necessitates the establishment of adolescent and youth health clinics staffed by knowledgeable professionals proficient in digital reproductive health. This approach promises more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective healthcare services, enhancing accessibility without discrimination. Recognizing the critical role of personnel in reproductive health, WHO emphasizes continuous development, ensuring that health providers possess the requisite knowledge and skills to offer advice10, thereby promoting equitable access to rights and treatments11. This investment in human capital is a cornerstone of a robust healthcare system, tailor-made to address the prevailing circumstances12,13. Furthermore, WHO advocates for the integration of digital health solutions among healthcare providers and their clientele as a secure and cost-efficient strategy for the future14. This approach promises enhanced satisfaction and outcomes for the target audience, setting new standards for healthcare provision15. In summarizing previous research, it is evident that there is a substantial deficit in reproductive health education among health providers in adolescent and youth health clinics, with knowledge gaps often extending beyond digital channels. Additionally, there is a paucity of research designs that combine various methodologies to comprehensively address these issues. The researcher has developed a digital intervention to promoting DRHL among health providers in adolescent and youth health clinics. This intervention equips providers with the skills to access, understand, assess, and apply information related to reproductive health. Consequently, it enhances their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, leading to improved competencies in their work.
The purpose of this study was to find an intervention for Digital Reproductive Health Literacy (DRHL) to enhance service competencies.
METHODS: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted January to July 2023. The 60 participants aged 20 to 60 working in adolescent and youth clinics were selected through random assignment and 30 allocated to 12 hours intervention in 6 modules, consisted of knowledge, digital skills, communication skills, provider attitudes, digital-based services, and networking skills. 30 participants were assigned in the control group. The data were collected using DRHL scale with reliability of 0.97, and Discriminant power of 0.2 to 0.8. Data were analyzed using MANCOVA. The results showed that health providers in the experimental group had significantly a higher mean score of DRHL (Mean = 90.83, 80.60) and competencies (Mean 69.60, 62.00) than control group at after treatment and follow up (Mean = 93.13, 81.13; Mean= 70.57, 62.97, p<.01). Specially, in the experimental group indicted that mean score of the DRHL and competencies by domains at follow-up were higher than the mean score at before treatment (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Human resources specialists or administrators could apply DRHL intervention to promote DRHL and competencies for health providers working in adolescent and youth health clinics.

The DRHL intervention effectively showcased a statistically significant enhancement in the DRHL and operational competency of healthcare providers working in adolescent and youth health clinics. This achievement was made possible through the successful integration of theoretical concepts with practical techniques and methodologies. However, it is vital to acknowledge that the promotion of reproductive health among adolescents and young individuals is not the sole responsibility of health providers in these clinics. Parents, guardians, community volunteers, religious leaders, and teachers also wield significant influence in educating and supporting young individuals. Therefore, it is advisable that relevant agencies extend the implementation of the DRHL intervention to encompass broader contexts. This expansion should aim to enhance the competencies of health providers while striving for optimal outcomes in the broader community, considering the pivotal roles played by various stakeholders in promoting reproductive health among adolescents and young people.