Rahu SAUTIplus Website Operation Research September 2015

The Potential of ‘Sautiplus’ Webpage to Reach Youths with SRHR Information and Services in Uganda

Reach a Hand Uganda Operations Research Report

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This work is a product of Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU), and the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance, Uganda. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of the above Institutions.

Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because RAHU encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given.

Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to the Executive Director, Reach a Hand Uganda, P.O Box Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256 312-275 683.

Š 2015 Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU), P.O Box Kampala Telephone: +256 312-275 683 Email: info@reachahand.org Internet: http://www.reachahand.org/

Citation: Reach a Hand Uganda, (RAHU). 2015. The potential of Sautiplus webpage to reach youths with SRHR information and services in Uganda. Sautiplus webpage operations research report.

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Table of Contents 1.0 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE ..................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Why an operations research on Sautiplus webpage? ................................................... 2 1.3 Objectives of the Sautiplus webpage OR ........................................................................... 2 1.4 Structure of the Report ........................................................................................................... 2 2.0 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Study Design................................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 Data collection methods ......................................................................................................... 3 2.3 Data management and analysis ........................................................................................... 3 2.4 Study limitations ....................................................................................................................... 4 3.0 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Demographic Characteristics of respondents................................................................. 4 3.1.1 Demographic Characteristics of FGD participants ....................................................... 4 3.1.2 Socio-demographic characterists of IDI respondents .................................................. 4 3.2 Young peoples Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage ............................................................................................................... 5 3.2.1 Access to internet in the community .................................................................................. 5 3.2.2 Knowledge and access to webpages/Sautiplus webpage .......................................... 5 3.2.3 Young people’s perceptions towards webpage/Sautiplus webpage...................... 6 3.2.4 Young people’s perceptions towards the information shared on Sautiplus webpage .................................................................................................................................................... 7 3.2.5 Young people’s perceptions towards the design and layout of Sautiplus webpage .................................................................................................................................................... 9 3.2.6 Young people’s suggestions for Sautiplus webpage improvement ......................... 9 3.3 Implementers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the Sautiplus webpage ............................................................................................................................... 10 3.3.1 RAHU’s readiness to upgrade Sautiplus webpage ...................................................... 10 3.3.2 Implementers’ capacity to maintain Sautiplus webpage........................................... 11 3.3.3 RAHU’s maintainence structure for Sautiplus webpage............................................ 12 3.3.4 Implementers’ perspectives towards the design and layout of the Sautiplus webpage .................................................................................................................................................. 13 3.3.5 Implementing team members’ suggestions for Sautiplus webpage improvement......................................................................................................................................... 14

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3.5 Expert observation of whether the Sautiplus webpage meets the standards of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) ..................................... 15 4.0 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS IDENTIFIED BY THE STUDY ............................................................................................................................................................... 17 4.1 Programming strengths identified by the operations research ............................ 17 4.2 Programming weaknesses identified by the operations research ....................... 17 4.3 Programming opportunities identified by the operations research ................... 18 4.4 Programming threats identified by the operations research ................................ 18 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION .................................................................................. 18 5.1 Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 18 5.2 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 20 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Appendix 1: Fgd Guide ................................................................................................................ 22 Appendix 2: IDI Guide .................................................................................................................. 26

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Executive Summary Background RAHU, Rutgers WPF and Dance for Life (D4L) entered a collaboration to upgrade RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage and social media strategy. In particular, the collaboration is intended to strengthen the webpage, its content and the linked social media strategy, as well as to increase the capacity of staff to maintain the online channels (webpage and social media). An upgraded version of the Sautiplus webpage, will meet criteria of comprehensive sexuality education, including attractive and user friendly functionalities, and should be easy to maintain and update both technically and contentwise.

It is against this background that this Operations Research (OR) broadly aimed at providing evidence to support the planned upgrade of the webpage and improved social media strategy. This OR results will inform the planned activities to upgrade the Sautiplus online channels.

Objectives of the Sautiplus webpage OR The main objective of this operations research was to provide evidence to support the upgrade of RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage and improve the social media strategy.

The specific objectives of this OR were: 1. To explore young peoples’ priority SRHR needs to be solved by the upgraded webpage and improved social media strategy.

2. To assess the perceptions and attitudes of youths towards the Sautiplus webpage (acceptability, user friendliness, confidentiality issues, affordability, accessibility, sustainability, motivation to use e/m health services, time constraints etc.).

3. To assess the educational features on the Sautiplus webpage that support young people in seeking out information.

4. To assess the current structures and capacity of RAHU staff to maintain the upgraded webpage.

5. To assess the perceptions and attitudes of the staff and volunteers (who operate the page) towards the Sautiplus webpage.

Methods In order to achieve the OR objectives, the following data collection methods were employed to generate information to answer the research questions: 1. A review of available documentation, secondary data and referral statistics related to the Sautiplus webpage.

2. An observation of the quality of CSE information shared on the Sautiplus webpage using a quality checklist.

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3. A total of six (6) FGDs with in-school young people 10-24 years. The FGDs were conducted in the three districts covered by RAHU under the ASK project; two in each district.

4. In-depth interviews with four (4) RAHU volunteer and staff that operate the Sautiplus webpage (using an IDI guide) to assess their capacity and perceptions towards the platform.

Findings A total of 71 young people were engaged in the six (6) focus group discussions conducted. The age range of participants was 13-21 years and the average size of the group was 12 people. Out of the four IDI respondents; two were RAHU staff members, one was an outsourced member while one was a peer educator. These four respondents were the main people working on RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage.

Findings on access to internet in the communities revealed three important points; 1) young people were familiar with internet; 2) internet was mainly accessed through; mobile phones, school computer laboratories and internet cafes; and 3) internet was easily accessed in Kampala and Jinja as compared to Iganga.

Related to internet access, FGD participants reported that they mainly accessed web pages through; mobile phones, school computer laboratories and internet cafes.

However, due to the limited time (5-15 minutes) given to students for personal surfing at school computer laboratories, many reported not prioritizing web pages.

Overall, FGD participants were very positive towards the use of web pages to provide SRHR information to young people. There was high appreciation of the content on Sautiplus webpage. Among the content highly appreciated included; information on condoms, masturbation, STDs, abortion, and relationships.

Findings on whether RAHU was ready to implement an upgraded version of Sautiplus webpage highlighted three aspects: 1) readiness was indicated in the already created demand for SRHR information among young people which required to be satisfied, 2) the high prioritization of online platforms by RAHU management, and 3) there was concern for managing the additional workload that may come with the upgrade of the Sautiplus webpage.

Discussions around implementing members’ skills to maintain a webpage showed that the team was fairly skilled (technically) to handle webpage maintainence and were very eager to learn.

Data from the observation assessment of the content shared on the Sautiplus webpage showed that the page mainly covered content on; relationships; sexuality, health and well being; and fertlity and reproduction. Overall there was little information on human body and development and the little that was shared on this topic was also not elaborative. Similarly, there was minimal information on; sexuality and rights; future goals/dreams and personal skills; and social and cultural determinants of sexuality 6

(values/norms) covered on the Sautiplus webpage. Minimal information on emotions was observed and particularly on emotions related to sexuality (love, lust, infatuation e.t.c.).

Recommendations 1. RAHU should plan and implement a comprehensive training for her staff generally on development of youth programmes so as to best prepare them for the management of the upgraded version of the website but also for the benefit of the other online platforms.

2. There is need for RAHU to hire or assign a designated person for the Sautiplus website mantainence.

3. Considerable effort is needed to promote the Sautiplus website in schools.

4. There is urgent need for RAHU to rethink its intervention geaographical scope.

5. There is also urgent need for RAHU to upgrade the Sautiplus website into a mobile responsive platform and simplify the design of the platform in order to make it user friendly to the implementers.

6. RAHU should explore innovative strategies like live stream, competitions, quizzes, and games among others.

7. Related to the above, RAHU should improve on the content shared on the Sautiplus website by, encompassing a wide range of topics and sharing comprehensive information that includes the gender, social and cultural dimensions.

8. There is also need for RAHU to address the emergent concerns of young people about the content, design and layout of the Sautiplus website in order to maintain their interest and appreciation of the platform.

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1.0 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE 1.1 Background The application of electronic and mobile solutions for health (eHealth and mHealth) in developing countries is expanding quickly, including in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). In light of the above, the Access, Services, Knowledge (ASK) program seeks to develop and implement (new technology) innovations in order to improve access to SRHR information and/or quality of service delivery, with the goal of increasing information seeking and uptake of services by youth and hard to reach populations. Innovation with new technology refers to the use of electronic and mobile solutions for health, in short e- and m-health.1 The use of e- and m- health applications to directly deliver SRHR information to young people or make content directly available and accessible for youth, is part of a minimum package of information service for young people offered by ASK partners.

Information should increase young people’s comprehensive and correct knowledge on SRHR and HIV, as well as increase their capacity to access services or seek their own information.2 In the ASK program, partners develop and pilot e- and m-health appications such as online channels (webpages andsocial media), mobile phone platforms (including helplines, SMS or chat). The e- and m- health applications are additional to the use of traditional media (radio and television and outreach (sharing of information materials, leaflets at schools and out-of-school settings, for example youth centres/clubs, sports leagues or teams, etc). In the ASK program young people strongly participate in information delivery toyouth.3 In several ASK countries, partners facilitate online channels (webpages and social media) that share SRHR information with young people and/or refer to services. Reach a hand Uganda (RAHU) is a leading SRHR organization in Uganda, youth led, with a lot of impact and a large audience (TV) through their numerous media and outreach activities, supported by local artists. They currently own the popular webpage www.Sautiplus.ug, supported by a social media campaign.

The Sautiplus webpage was created with the aim to increase young people’s comprehensive and correct knowledge on SRHR and HIV, increase their capacity to access services or seek their own information.

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Access, Services and Knowledge (ASK) Programmeproposalto BuZa Access, Services and Knowledge (ASK) Programme:Essential Packages Manual (2013), p.15 3 ASK country workplans and Operational Research background reports and proposals related to ASK partners e- and m- health programming (for Indonesia, Uganda, Senegal, Kenya, Pakistan) 2

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1.2 Why an operations research on Sautiplus webpage?

RAHU, Rutgers WPF and Dance for Life (D4L) (as a technical partner) entered a collaboration to upgrade RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage and social media strategy. In particular, the collaboration is intended to strengthen the webpage, its content and the linked social media strategy, as well as to increase the capacity of staff to maintain the online channels (webpage and social media). Rutgers WPF aims to capacitate and support RAHU on the development of better SRHR content for the webpage, and exploring structures for maintenance and sustainability of the Sautiplus online channels.

An upgraded version of the Sautiplus webpage, will meet criteria of comprehensive sexuality education, including attractive and user friendly functionalities, and should be easy to maintain and update both technically and content-wise. D4L will work with RAHU to strengthen RAHU’s social media strategy/plan in the Sautiplus campaign in order to reach more young people, as well as to improve their expertise in order to meet the expectations and needs that come with being a ‘social media expert’.

It is against this background that this Operations Research (OR) broadly aimed at providing evidence to support the planned upgrade of the webpage and improved social media strategy. In particular, this OR conducted a comprehensive assessment on the needs and potential for upgrading the online channels used by RAHU for reaching youths with SRHR information. This OR results will inform the planned activities to upgrade the Sautiplus online channels.

1.3 Objectives of the Sautiplus webpage OR The main objective of this operations research was to provide evidence to support the upgrade of RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage and improve the social media strategy.

The specific objectives of this OR were: 6. To explore young peoples’ priority SRHR needs to be solved by the upgraded webpage and improved social media strategy.

7. To assess the perceptions and attitudes of youths towards the Sautiplus webpage (acceptability, user friendliness, confidentiality issues, affordability, accessibility, sustainability, motivation to use e/m health services, time constraints etc.).

8. To assess the educational features on the Sautiplus webpage that support young people in seeking out information.

9. To assess the current structures and capacity of RAHU staff to maintain the upgraded webpage.

10. To assess the perceptions and attitudes of the staff and volunteers (who operate the page) towards the Sautiplus webpage.

1.4 Structure of the Report

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The report is divided into 5 sections. Section 1 provided the background and rationale for the study. Section 2 provides the methodology used to obtain and utilize the data required for this operations research. Section 3 provides the results from the research.

The final section (4) highlights the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the intervention as identified by/during this study, and section 5 presents the recommendations and conclusion.

2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Study Design This operations research was a descriptive cross sectional study. The OR was conducted in the ASK program districts of; Kampala, Jinja and Iganga. It involved in-school young people between ages 10 to 24 years old. Key informants also participated in this research. These were RAHU volunteer and staff that operated the Sautiplus webpage.

Mainly qualitative study methods i.e. literature review, In-depth Interviews (IDI), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and expert observation were used to examine and report detailed views of young participants (10-24 years) in response to the research questions.

2.2 Data collection methods In order to achieve the OR objectives, the following data collection methods were employed to generate information to answer the research questions: 5. A review of available documentation, secondary data and referral statistics related to the Sautiplus webpage.

6. An observation of the quality of CSE information shared on the Sautiplus webpage using a quality checklist.

7. A total of six (6) FGDs with in-school young people 10-24 years. The FGDs were conducted in the three districts covered by RAHU under the ASK project; two in each district.

8. In-depth interviews with four (4) RAHU volunteer and staff that operate the Sautiplus webpage (using an IDI guide) to assess their capacity and perceptions towards the platform.

All young people (boys and girls, in school) aged 10 or older at RAHU intervention schools were eligible to participate in the survey. Students selected for FGDs were first exposed to the Sautiplus webpage for an hour before the discussions.

2.3 Data management and analysis Every day, the hand written notes were taken during the FGDs and a detailed report written for each FGD. Both FGDs and IDI were audio recorded and transcribed. Data

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were analyzed using a thematic framework approach based on key themes, concepts and emergent categories. Quotes from the FGD participants and IDI respondents were used to illustrate and emphasize the voices and points made by respondents. From the findings, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the intervention were summarized.

2.4 Study limitations o There was difficulty finding young people who had used the Sautiplus webpage.

As a result, non users were exposed to the platform before the discussions. This therefore generated views and opinions concerning toon the most recent state of the webpage, missing out on the retrospective status. However, data from other sources provided more insights on the sautiplus webpage.

3.0 RESULTS 3.1 Demographic Characteristics of respondents 3.1.1 Demographic Characteristics of FGD participants A total of 71 young people were engaged in the six (6) focus group discussions conducted. The age range of participants was 13-21 years and the average size of the group was 12 people. The composition of FGD participants almost presented an equal representation of sexes with; 50.7% males and 50.3% females participarting in the discussions. The socio-demographic details can be seen in the table below.

Table 1 : Socio-demographic characteristics of FGD participants FGD Identifier FGD 1- Atlas H/S FGD 2- Mariam H/S FGD 3- Kiira College FGD 4- PMM Girls Sch FGD 5- Iganga H/S FGD 6- King of Kings Total

Composition Female 7 11 0 11 01 5 35

Male 5 0 12 0 12 7 36

Number of Mean Age of Respondents participants 12 11 12 11 13 12 71

16.8 19.1 16.7 16.2 16.2 16.3 16.8

3.1.2 Socio-demographic characterists of IDI respondents Out of the four IDI respondents; two were RAHU staff members, one was an outsourced member while one was a peer educator. These four respondents were the main people

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working on RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage. The age range of respondents was 22-26 years and had spent a sizeable number of years working in the SRHR field.

Table 2 : Socio-demographic Characteristics of the staff interviewed.

Key informant Sex Identifier Respondent

of Age of Respondent No. of years in SRHR field

Implementer 1

Male

26

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Implementer 2 Implementer 3 Implementer 4

Male Female Male

25 24 23

5 Eight months 3

3.2 Young peoples Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage 3.2.1 Access to internet in the community Findings on access to internet in the communities revealed three important points; 1) young people were familiar with internet; 2) internet was mainly accessed through; mobile phones, school computer laboratories and internet cafes; and 3) internet was easily accessed in Kampala and Jinja as compared to Iganga. In Iganga, students reported that it was not easy for them to access internet because their schools barely had computer laboratories nor internet connections. Some students who reported having accessed internet in Iganga, had accessed it through internet cafes at a cost. “...... if I want to access internet, I use my phone. I load data and search anything that I feel like. However for the boarding students, they can only access internet through the school computer laboratory because phones are illegal in school. They can also access internet through internet cafes in town if they get permission to go to town”. Female participant, FGD5-Iganga H/S Related to the above, further discussions on access to internet revealed some restrictions on access to school computer laboratories, wireless internet and phone use.

Specifically, participants reported that school computer laboratories were most of the time reserved for IT lessons while wireless internet was pass word protected and irregular. It was reported that some school computer laboratories did not have internet connection.

3.2.2 Knowledge and access to websites/Sautiplus webpage Related to internet access, FGD participants reported that they mainly accessed webpages through; mobile phones, school computer laboratories and internet cafes.

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However, due to the limited time (5-15 minutes) given to students for personal surfing at school computer laboratories, many reported not prioritizing webpages. Majority of the participants said that they gave first priority to responding to their facebook and email messages before moving to other things.

“Webpages can be accessed. The problem is that internet is quit slow because of the big internet traffic. Downloading a video may take around five minutes or even fails to download”. Male participant, FGD3- Kiira College.

Further discussions on webpage access showed that many participants were not aware of existing SRHR webpages. It was only one participant who mentioned having vipaged www.kidshealth.com for SRHR information. Others who had vipaged webpages before had vipaged sports and fashion pages. Similarly, in-depth discussions revealed that majority of the FGD participants had never heard and vipaged the Sautiplus webpage.

Out of the 71 participants, only two participants had heard about Sautiplus webpage through RAHU’s youth camp and school outreach.

“I got to know about the Sautiplus webpage through the camp organized by RAHU. I just saw it mentioned on the posters but I did not get detailed information about it. They never mentioned about it in the camp”. Male participant, FGD 3- Kiira College.

3.2.3 Young people’s perceptions towards webpage/Sautiplus webpage Overall, FGD participants were very positive towards the use of webpages to provide SRHR information to young people. Participants hightlighted a number of reasons in favour of webpages. These included;  Increased ownership of smart phones among young people which ease access to internet.  Direct access to private information which may be hard to access face to face.  Quick channel through which to access SRHR information.  Fashionable to access information online.  Availability of skills to navigate on-line platforms among young people.  Availability of computer laboratories in schools.

One participant remarked: “Use of webpages to give us health information is good because most of us possess phones and mostly smart phones that can access internet”. Female participant, FGD2-Mariam H/S. Further discussions about what the youth think about the use of webpages to provide SRHR information highlighted access related concerns among young people. Among the concerns mentioned included; the cost of Mbs, internet cafe costs, limited skills to 6

navigate webpages and smart phones as well as limited internet access and restricted access from elders (teachers and parents).

An observation made during fieldwork and discussions about possession of skills to navigate, computers, smart phones and webpages noted a wider gap amongest respondents from the urban and rural districts in regards to IT skills. In particular, students from Kampala and Jinja schools demostrated high level of skills to navigate computers and webpages while majority of their counterparts from Iganga had limited navigation skills.

3.2.4 Young people’s perceptions towards the information shared on Sautiplus webpage Discussions on the information shared on the Sauitiplus webpage revealed high appreciation of the content on Sautiplus webpage. Among the content highly appreciated included; information on condoms, masturbation, STDs, abortion, and relationships. According to those participants who liked this information, they said it suited their information needs and covered their real life challenges. In relation to the above, FGD participants also noted that the information shared on the webpage was uptodate, appropriate and clean: “I have for long wanted to know about masturbation and I got that information on the Sautiplus webpage”. Male participant, FGD 6-King of kings.

“I think the information shared is very useful to the youths today because everyday youths are getting more sexually active even when they are not supposed to. So I think the page is very useful in guiding us”. Female participant, FGD 1- Atlas H/S. Related to the above, FGD participants also appreciated the fact that there was a provision to comment on the information shared on the webpage. According to the participants, this offered them an opportunity to share their views, opinions and concerns in regards to the information shared. Related to the above, participants appreciated the opinions and stories from fellow youths that were shared on the platform. One participant remarked: “I liked the fact that they also seek for our comments on every story posted which makes it easy to know how to solve a situation in question by getting experiences of other people”. Female participant, FGD 4- PMM Girls School.

Further discussions on the information shared on the Sautiplus webpage also higlighted some concerns from young people which included;

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  

Language barrier i.e. some information was delivered in a local dilect (in the video) which many participants were not familiar with.

Most content was on love, sex and relationships. This kind of left out those who were not sexually active.

Information shared on the platform was percieved to obvious and shallow among the elderly young people especially from the city.

About the information being obvious and shallow, one respondent remarked: “.......truthfully speaking am only going to point out on the aspect of the condoms. I would expect to find usage not when I should carry it or where I should carry it to.

Then I also expected to find how more often to use it or like the danger of not using them. Telling that condoms are protective is obsvious and that’s what I expected about condoms”. Female participant, FGD 2- Mariam H/S. Findings on refferal information shared on the webpage showed that refferal information was little, hidden and mainly limited to refferals to other RAHU pages.

There were less refferals to service points. According to the FGD participants, the refferal information seen on the webpage was little, not very direct and mostly reffering to RAHU’s other on-line platforms. “........ they (audio clip on the webpage) said I can also visit their RAHU facebook page and webpage”. Male participant, FGD 1- Atlas H/S. Further discussions on the information shared on the webpage highlighted the information needs of young people. Participants wished for more information on the following topics;  Love, sex and relationships  Drug abuse  Peer presure  Life skills  Abstinence and managing sexual feelings  Homosexuality  Contraception e.t.c One participant remarked: “The information shared is mainly to do with sexually active youths. For us the young ones are not catered for. We also need more stuff on abpagenence, peer pressure and drug abuse”. Male participant, FGD 5- Iganga H/S.

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3.2.5 Young people’s perceptions towards the design and layout of Sautiplus webpage Focus group discussions around the Sautiplus webpage page design and layout revealed the following views and opinions from the participants;  Pictures and video clips used were very appealing and of good quality.  Youths are attracted to bright and non static content.  The front page design and layout of the webpage was catchy.  The page was very organized with each page having a tittle.  Some videos frequently popped in and interffered with content reading.  The Sautiplus audio (radio) was more elaborative and clear.  The content font size was too small and readable.  There was need for more interractive functionalities like; games, quizzes and competitions.  Video clips duration was too long and heavy.  The page layout did not bring out RAHU’s theme colors which looked like someother organization’s page.

Some participants remarked: “I must say that the webpage is really beautiful, attractive; content on it looks original”. Female participant, FGD 2- Mariam H/S. “For me when I visit a page and there is music, I stick around”. Male participant, FGD 6- King of Kings.

“As a literature student, we have something we call first impression, for example when you are reading a novel you start from the cover. Compared to a cover of a book, the design and layout of the home page of the Sautiplus webpage alone made me want to navigate deeper into. The introductory information on Sautiplus radio i.e. the meaning of sauti made us stick on and listen more. I also loved the pictures and colors” . Male participant, FGD 3- Kiira College 3.2.6 Young people’s suggestions for Sautiplus webpage improvement Discussions around recommendations for Sautiplus platform improvement indicated a number of suggestions from young people which included;  Making the webpage accessed offline.  Forming in-school Sautiplus webpage user clubs.  Reducing on the length of the videos uploaded on the page.  Uploading short video clips from young people (the target audience).  Including young peoples’ life stories or experiences on the webpage.

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     

Covering more SRHR topics i.e. abstinence and managing sexual desires, friendship, drug abuse e.t.c.

Developing an application for the platform.

Making the platform interractive i.e. through including games/competitions, commentaries and provision for question and answer.

Increase on the font size of the content shared on the webpage.

Offline and on-line promotion of the platform to young people.

Creating a seperate refferal page or corner and a question and answer section.

One participant noted; “ The cost of Mbs is quite high. If only they could make the page also accessible offline , it would enable many young people with difficulties in accessing internet to access the platform”. Male participant, FGD 3-Kiira College.

3.3 Implementers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the Sautiplus webpage 3.3.1 RAHU’s readiness to upgrade Sautiplus webpage Findings on whether RAHU was ready to implement an upgraded version of Sautiplus webpage highlighted three aspects: 1) readiness was indicated in the already created demand for SRHR information among young people which required to be satisfied, 2) the high priortization of online platforms by RAHU management, and 3) there was concern for managing the additional workload that may come with the upgrade of the Sautiplus webpage. The implementing staff indicated that although RAHU was ready to upgrade the Sautiplus webpage, there was need to pay attention to the capacity of the implementing team in regards to content development and page maintainence: “RAHU has already created demand for this (up grade) and every day young people yearn for more SRHR information. Young people also need to access information in different ways so I think we (RAHU) are ready to go but we need to increase on our capacity to satisfy the demand generated”. Implemeter 1 Disussions about RAHU’s readiness to upgrade the Sautiplus webpage also hinted on the available infrastracture. Findings showed that while the fulltime staff had computers to use, the part time members i.e. peer educators did not. Still on infrastrature, repondents reported the challenge of internet connection being slow and unreliable. They also noted the need to have a power backup incase of electricty load shedding. One respondent remarked: “When its comes to content development, we need to do research and the young people who help us to do it do not own computers or laptops. We need to have at least stationed computers where young people come, sit, research and develop 10

content. And if they have to do videos, they should have the basic equipments for video making”. Implemeter 4 Further more, dicussions around RAHU’s readiness to upgrade the sautiplus webpage also highlighted that RAHU had inadqate resources interms of; human resources, time and finances. According to the respondents, RAHU had a small human resource team which constrained its time to deliver on the rapid growing activities. Respondents noted at RAHU leterally very team member was a department. They also noted that they had limited funds that is why they continueously fundraised. One respondent remarked: “The challenge though is that we are under staffed. I really think that with the upgrade of the webpage we will need somebody to sit down and strictly focus on the webpage maintanance. We need someone to look out for the webpage content; sit in the resource center, read through the resources, develop articles and coordinate bloggers”. Implementer 3 3.3.2 Implementers’ capacity to maintain Sautiplus webpage 3.3.2.1 Implementers’ technical skills to maintain Sautiplus webpage Discussions around implementing members’ skills to maintain a webpage showed that the team was fairly skilled (technically) to handle webpage maintainence and were very eager to learn. Specifically, two of the four implementing team members interviewed had an educational background in IT related courses while the rest had learn onjob.

However, further discussions highlighted gaps in the graphics field which created over reliance on one person with those skills. According to some implementers, the graphic work and upload of stories was mainly done by one person. This was attributed to the un friendly nature of the Sautiplus webpage design which required advanced graphic skills in order to upload or change content. One respondent remarked: “I think when it comes to IT skills needed to manipulate a webpage, we have limited skills. That is why we outsource someone to do it for us: someone who is directly incharge of uploading content and designing articles. As we upgrade the Sautiplus page, I would argue that we enlarge on the team so that its not only really one person that can do that”. Implementer 3 3.3.2.2 Implementers’ content generation capacity In terms of SRHR related knowledge or capacity, findings showed that non of the implementing team members had a health related background but all of them had benefited from short SRHR courses of an average duration of one week each.

Respondents emphasized the existing capacity gaps in relation to the different aspects of content generation and called for the need to address them in order to better manage the upgraded webpage. In particular, respondents noted the need for training in creation of attractive SRHR content and writting for online.

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“My biggest gap is how to create creative and interactive content; be it blogs, videos or audios. I would like to create content that is going to create a communication between the person who is reading it and the platform. I need to learn more about developing content its self i.e. writing skills, video/audio recording among others”. Implementer 4 3.3.2.3 Implementers’ perspectives towards use of a webpage to disseminate SRHR information Dicsussions on the use of the webpage highlighted that implementers appreciated the webpage as a platform that provided unlimited space to cover much content, use multiple functionalities and cover hard content that may not be fit for social media platforms. Particularly on the nature of content for the webpage, respondents believed that webpages required detailed and formal information that required good writting skills. On the other hand, respondents were concern over the Sautiplus webpage not being mobile responsive. The other concern expressed by the respondents was that of low access to internet and gadgets in some of the ASK project districts i.e. Iganga.

Majority of the respondents believed that the webpage may not be a suitable platform to disseminate infotmation to young people in rural communities: “I think for Kampala and Jinja the webpage is just fine but Iganga am not sure.

Iganga is kind of remote so I don’t think people there are much into technology”.

Implementer 1 “When I designed the Sautiplus webpage, some technologies had not come. That is why it is not mobile responsive however, we need to upgrade it because most young people now days access internet through smart phones”. Implementer 2 Furtherstill, when asked whether they knew the popular browsers used by their audience to access the Sautiplus webpage, some implementers did not except those with IT background. They cited mozilla, Opera and explorer as the popular browsers amongest the young people and indicated that Sautiplus webpage resolution remained the same accross these browsers.

3.3.3 RAHU’s maintainence structure for Sautiplus webpage According to the discussions around the maintaince of the Sautiplus webpage, it was reported that maintainence of the Sautiplus webpage fell in the docket of a communications officer at RAHU. Respondents further mentioned that the communications officer however, oversaw all RAHU’s online platforms the Sautiplus webpage inclusive. It was noted that she received support from all team members.

Disscussions around the maintaince of the Sautiplus webpage also revealed that the 12

maintance of this platform was not well structured especially content generation and update: “Basically I think we just take so long to update the page. Our biggest challenge is content generation and update. I think as we move on we need to have someone specific, who is directly to be charged with the sautiplus webpage such that their role is basically to manage the sautiplus platforms or webpage, so that it is not generalized”. Implemeter 1 Further discussions on the maintanance of webpage also touched on the content generation processes for the Sautiplus webpage. It was highlighted by respondents that content generation was led by the communication officer however, peer educators and other RAHU staff participarted in process in a number of ways. These included; writting blogs/articles, recording videos or audios and reviewing content. Specifically, the communications officer developed content and coordinated peer educators to generate content. It was reported that whoever generated content, had to submit it to the communication officer for scruitiny before its publication. The communication officer polished all the content and shared it with managment for final review and clearance.

Final article designing and upload was done by the graphics designer.

“When I send out articles for them to approve, sometimes it takes time to get their respons yet i want it in immediately. The challenge is that every person is busy with their line responsibilities so they consider reviewing articles past their working time. And in regards to uploading content, I still need go through our graphic designer”. Implemeter 3 Related to the above, respondents noted that content shared on the platform depended on the campaign being ran but not systematically generated. Respondents also noted that RAHU had a resource center with materials to guide content generation however, no particular manual was used. Content research was also reported being done online.

In addition to the above, findings also indicated that content update was not preplanned and irregular because it happened at convinience. One respondent remarked: “We could say we are running a condom campaign so we get topics on condom use then we schedule them in different weeks. So we keep on post something on every topic under the campaign”. Implementer 4 3.3.4 Implementers’ perspectives towards the design and layout of the Sautiplus webpage Discussions on what the implementers thought about the different aspects of the design and layout of the Sautiplus webpage showed an overall appreciation of this webpage.

Specifically, the respondents noted that the layout of the webpage was attractive 13

because it had a mix of text, pictures and videos formats. Respondents also described the bright colors used on the webpage as eye catching. However, about the color theme of the Sautiplus webpage respondents noted that it differed from the organization’s theme color which made it difficult to relate it to RAHU. “The current design of the Sautiplus webpage has evolved over time. Time and again we have changed the background color themes and banners, giving it a fresh look always because our target audience is dynamic”. Implementer 2 Further discussions on the design and layout of the Sautiplus webpage also showed that implementers believed that the webpage was visually appealling, clean and professional because it did not carry nude pictures and the pictures or videos shared were of high quality, colorful and appealling to young people. In additions, respondents reported the page was easy to scan through because the first page gave an overview of the entire webpage.

“When it comes to the visuals the pictures and audios we share are attractive for example the picture of condoms in different colors attract someone to click on it and read what is it with colored condoms because majority know only one specific color of condom. When it comes to the videos, the videos are being short professionally, they are edited well, the content going out is fine ad all that”.

Implementer 1 Overall implementers had reservations concerning the layout of the content on the webpage. Specifically, repondents noted although every page of the webpage was well labelled, some pages had alot of text which made them unreadable. It was also noted that the first page was abit crowded with videos, pictures and banners: “According to the way content is laid out, it is not very readable. In webpage design there is what they call three clicks; open the webpage, look for what you want and just click on it. Right now I think the Sautiplus webpage is not like that, content is not on the first page. The first page is so much of advertising what is inside the webpage”. Implementer 2 3.3.5 Implementing team members’ suggestions for Sautiplus webpage improvement Discussions around recommendations for Sautiplus platform improvement indicated a number of suggestions from the implementing team members which included;  Making the Sautiplus webpage webpage design user friendly for the implementers to manuplate.

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

     

Making the webpage more interractive and engaging by including functionalities that will audience participation i.e. quizzes, competitions, live stream aamong others.

Improve on content presentation to make it more appealing and attractive to the young people.

Involve the target audience (students) in content generation.

Continueous promotion of the Sautiplus webpage.

Making the Sautiplus webpage mobile friendly.

Capacity building for the implementing staff, specifically on SRHR and online writing.

Improve on the maintanence planning for the Sautiplus webpage

Some respondents remarked: “I think basically we can improve the platform by involving the target audience in different activities i.e. contributing content, suggesting topics to be covered, and sending in their concerns and comments”. Implementer 4 “I will start with the need to train the implementers, then making the platform mobile friendliness that’s also very important and also ensure that we have scheduled updates because if we don’t schedule them that means that we won’t be regular”. Implementer 1 3.5 Expert observation of whether the Sautiplus webpage meets the standards of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) Data from the observation assessment of the content shared on the Sautiplus webpage showed that the page mainly covered content on; relationships; sexuality, health and well being; and fertlity and reproduction. Overall there was little information on human body and development and the little that was shared on this topic was also not elaborative. Similarly, there was minimal information on; sexuality and rights; future goals/dreams and personal skills; and social and cultural determinants of sexuality (values/norms) covered on the Sautiplus webpage. Minimal information on emotions was observed and particularly on emotions related to sexuality (love, lust, infatuation e.t.c.).

Specifically on the topic of human body and development, the observation showed that the little information covered under this topic was mainly on menstruation but still not detailed and direct. The other aspects of human body and development i.e. development body in puberty, functions and anatomy of female and male body and reproductive organs; Sexual organs; differences in body make up between people; body image and

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self image; body hygiene; and cosmetical surgery e.t.c. were not mentioned on the platform.

On the other hand, although much information was covered on the topic of fertility and reproduction, the observation noted irregularities in the details covered on specific sub topics. Sub topics such as; morning-after pill, being a young mother or father, and joined responsibility for boys and girls to plan and protect, were covered more in-depth as compared to sub topics like conception and family planning. Physical facts about fertility of boys and girls i.e. onset, menstruation, ejaculation; desire to have children, intended and unintended pregnancy as well was abortion were the sub topics that received very minimal mentions.

The topic of sexuality was the most covered on the Sautiplus webpage and elaboratively.

In particular, the observation noted that sub topics such as; arousal, lust, dealing with feelings of arousal, having sex for the first time, timing of having sex, the different sexual activities, choosing to be sexually active or not, masturbation and pornography were mentioned in details on the webpage. Furthermore, the observation also noted that the sub theme of prostitution had no mentions.

Findings from the observation also showed that the topic of friendship and relationships was well covered on the Sautiplus webpage, although much coverage was given to relationships only. For example; sub topics like; ways of having a relationship, health and unhealthy relationships, flirting and feeling in love, having a crush and loving someone, break up e.t.c. were mentioned in details while, sub topics like flirting and courtship, and the friendship related sub topics (i.e. the value of friendship, difficulties in friendship and peer pressure) were not mentioned at all on the Sautiplus webpage.

Information on communication about needs and limits, and respect for needs of other was also not observed on the platform.

Further observation looked at sexuality, health and well-being related topics and revealed that information shared on unprotected sex and its effects ellaboratively covered STIs and teen pregnancy but less or no information was shared on other consquences like HIV/AIDs and stigma. In addition, there was minimal and hidden refferal information given. The following sub sections received very minal mentions; prevention of sexual risks and finding help (referral) and sexual harassment and abuse (different forms, cause, prevention, dealing with harassment).

Concerning sexuality and rights, the content shared on the webpage did not capture much information about the equal rights for young people. Some sexuality and rights related information seen was limited to decisions to do with sexual intercourse and legal age to have sex. The presentation of the content did not also include social and cultural dimensions into the stories. The topic of future goals/dreams, and personal skills was also less covered, in basic, and not direct. It was simply mentioned under the 16

other SRHR topics. Specifically, there were no stories observed or heard on future dreams/goals, improving personal skills and efficacy, on the page.

Overall the observation noted that the content shared on the Sautiplus website had clear difference between facts and myths and was scientifically accurate. Where the myths were mentioned, it was clearly stipulated. In regards to whether the content observed was age appropriate, most of the information covered was on sexuality, relationships and reproduction which made it more appropriate to the slightly older young people as compared to young ones. Content on human body and development, friendship, sexuality and rights, emotions, and personal skills and future goals that would interest more the 10 to 14 year olds was less covered. Content observed also had minimal integration of gender perspectives and did not also include the social and cultural dimensions.

4.0 STRENGTHS, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS IDENTIFIED BY THE STUDY 4.1 Programming strengths identified by the operations research We identified several programming strengths that RAHU ought to consider. These include:       

Attractive, clean and proffesional design of Sautiplus webpage.

The Sautiplus webpage contains different functionalities: Stories/video/pictures/ audio (radio) Existing linkages to other RAHU online platforms i.e. Sautiplus social media pages, RAHU webpage and facebook page.

Engagement of peer educators in content development.

High prioritization of online programming by RAHU management.

Presence of a resource center and full time internet to aid content search.

Platform covers actual and current information.

4.2 Programming weaknesses identified by the operations research The following weaknesses/gaps were identified by the operations research and observations during the research implementation:    

Less encompassing of a wide range of topics.

Minimal adherence to the principles of CSE i.e. gender perspectives and social, cultural perspectives.

Referrals to additional information and services minimal and not direct.

No interactive functionalities on the page i.e. games, competitions, live stream e.t.c 17

       

Platform not suitable for4 rural youths i.e. in Iganga where access to internet and computers is still extremely low.

Platform not mobile responsive.

Minimal promotion of the platform through existing RAHU programs i.e. the annual youth health camp, school outreach e.t.c.

Low awareness of the webpage among in school young people.

Irregular update of content on the Sautiplus platform.

Unclear structures for platform design and maintenance.

Limited staff capacity specifically on content development and online writing Access related issues i.e. limited access to internet in schools.

4.3 Programming opportunities identified by the operations research We identified several programming opportunities that Reach a Hand Uganda ought to consider. These include:        

Appreciation of online platforms i.e. webpage among urban youths.

Existence of computer laboratories in most secondary schools.

Internet increasingly everywhere i.e. school computer laboratories have wi-fi.

Young people’s appreciation of the Sautiplus webpage design and trust in content shared on the platform.

High appreciation of online programming by platform implementers.

The webpage can reach many youth with a variety of abilities.

Existence of a big audience base in urban and peri-urban areas.

Increasing ownership and access to gadgets that access internet by young people

4.4 Programming threats identified by the operations research The following threats were identified by the operations research and observations during the research implementation:  Platform only accessible to a fraction of young people because of connectivity and affordability of gadgets.  School restrictions limit access to internet and phones.  The webpage is more formal than social media 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION 5.1 Recommendations 1. From the study findings, there were capacity gaps identified among the Sautiplus website implementers i.e. limited skills for online writting, basic graphic skills, and 18

limited SRHR content development and packaging capacity. With the upcoming upgrading of the Sautiplus website, RAHU should plan and implement a comprehensive training for her staff generally on development of youth programmes so as to best prepare them for the management of the upgraded version of the website but also for the benefit of the other online platforms. The training should touch most of the key components for online youth programs from content search, packaging styles, skills for online writing, photography skills and basic graphic designing skills.

2. There is need for RAHU to hire or assign a designated person for the Sautiplus website mantainence. From the findings of this OR, it was noted that the maintainence of the Sautiplus webpage was under the docket of the communications officer, who happened to have overwhelming assignments under the communications department. Therefore having a designanted person under his/her supervision would mean more time given to the management of the Sautiplus website.

3. Considerable effort is needed to promote the Sautiplus website in schools. RAHU should intensify the current platform promotion efforts as well as employ other sustainable promotion strategies such as use of in-school club patrons, computer laboratory in-charges to continuously give information to students about RAHU’s Sautiplus website page. Use of online competitions can also promote popularity of this platform.

4. There is urgent need for RAHU to rethink its intervention geaographical scope. From the findings of this OR, Iganga district presented unique and major challenges i.e. limited/no internet access, minimal IT skills among young people, commonly no computer laboratories in schools, and minimal familiarity of online platforms among students e.t.c. This was not the case with the urban districts of Jinja and Kampala. It is therefore recommended that RAHU consider focusing on urban districts as the rural districts still present major limitations for online platforms.

5. There is also urgent need for RAHU to upgrade the Sautiplus website into a mobile responsive platform. From the study findings, it was noted that students increasingly used phones to access internet. Therefore having a non mobile responsive platform limited acess to many young people who would have done so through mobile phones. It is therefore recommendated that during the planned upgrading of the Sautiplus website, making the platform mobile friendly should be prioritized. Related to the above, the upgrade of the page should simplify the design of the platform in order to make it user friendly to the implementers. This will enable easy use of the platform implementers even with basic graphic skills. There is critical need for RAHU to make its planning for emhealth implementation more

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efficient. Efforts to redefine the implementation structures for emhealth platforms are need.

6. Despite a fairly appreciated design of the Sautiplus website, effort is needed to make Sautiplus website interactive and entertaining. RAHU should explore innovative strategies like live stream, competitions, quizzes, and games among others. These approaches could stimulate young people’s engagement and motivation for revisits.

Small incentives i.e. promotional materials, appreciations and dedications could be a good strategy to promote this platform and stimulate visitor. RAHU should also invite stories (true or fictional) from young people with content relevance. These can be used to stimulate participation.

7. Related to the above, RAHU should improve on the content shared on the Sautiplus website by, encompassing a wide range of topics and sharing comprehensive information that includes the gender, social and cultural dimensions. From the observation findings, most of the content shared on the platform mostly suited the older young people. RAHU should therefore consider having a page on each of the SRHR topics on the Sautiplus website. This could enable the content generators to collect and upload content on a wide range SRHR topics and therefore be in position to meet the information needs of all sorts of young people. Similarly, referrals should be given a special page or corner for direct and easy access.

8. There is also need for RAHU to address the emergent concerns of young people about the content, design and layout of the Sautiplus website in order to maintain their interest and appreciation of the platform. Continuous quality improvement of the website should be priority. The too small content font size, minmal and hidden refferal information, too long video clips, faster narrations and many pop-ups need to be addressed as per the suggestions of the target audience. Specifically, the font size should be increased, refferal information given direct, reduce on pop-ups and the duration of the video clips be shortened.

9. There is critical need for RAHU to make its planning for the Sautiplus website management more efficient. Efforts to redefine the implementation structures for Sautiplus management are needed. This will enhance the planning of the different activities of platform management and ensure quality and timely delivery of content to young people.

5.2 Conclusion In summary, the Sautiplus website was highly appreciated among young people and its implementers. Significant gaps were observed in; implementers’ capacity, comprehensiveness of the SRHR content shared, platform popularity, mobile responsiveness and user friendliness of the platform to the implementers. This OR 20

showed positive perceptions of young people in favor of the Sautiplus website design but still, the platform needed to be made more interactive. Across implementers, the issue of having a designated person to manage this platform was remarkable. Therefore all the above suggest readiness for the upgrade of the Sautiplus website but with atmost attention to the gaps identified.

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APPENDICES Appendix 1: Fgd Guide REACH A HAND UGANDA SAUTIPLUS WEBPAGE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH - FGD GUIDE 6-7-2015 Number of participants 8-12 SECTION 1: Introductions Note: Welcome everybody and thank them for being part of the discussion. Introduce yourself as working with a team from Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) and introduce the subject of discussion.

Then give a summary of the verbal consent below and allow each one of them to introduce them thereafter.

Summary of the verbal consent Dear Participant, You have been selected to participate in this study “Assessing potential to upgrade the ‘Sautiplus’ webpage to better reach youth and hard to reach groups with SRHR information and services in Uganda”. We appreciate that you play an important role in shaping the platforms intended to reach you with SRHR information and that is why we want to have a discussion with you today. The generated data will inform the upgrading of the “Sautiplus” webpage through knowledge on what works and what does not work for you.

Taking part in this discussion is voluntary and what we shall discuss today shall be kept confidential and only used for purposes of improving the Sautiplus webpage implemented by RAHU. You are free to take part in this discussion but should you feel like you want to leave at any point, you are also free. If you have any questions about the study, raise it now or should you need any further information about what we are doing, you can contact Ms. Babirye Susan, lead researcher on Tel No: 0712-210 002. We would also like to inform you that we shall be recording the discussion, just for the purposes of us capturing everything that we might miss out when taking notes. The interview will take about 60-90 minutes and your participation or refusal to participate in this interview will not affect the services you receive in any way. If you agree to provide information to the researcher under the conditions of confidentiality set out on this sheet form, please register on the registration sheet.

Note: 1. Make sure the tape recorder is switched on to the start of the interview.

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2. Use the demographic log sheet to register the participants (by registering only their first name) Ice breaker: 1. Shall we start by introducing ourselves? (Let the participants introduce themselves) 2. Have you vipaged any webpage in the past 3 months?

PARTICIPANTS CHARACTERISTICS- SUMMARIZE NUMBERS

1.

2.

3.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS MALE

__________

FEMALE

___________

GENDER OF RESPONDENT

AVERAGE AGE OF PARTICIPANTS? _________________________

4.

FGD LOCATION & DATE _________________________ INTRODUCTION SECTION

1.

How do you access internet in your community?

2.

Are webpages easily accessed in your community?

3.

Do you know of any webpage providing SRHR information to young people?

4.

What do you think about use of webpage to pass on SRHR information to young people in Uganda? (advantages/disadvantages)

5.

Do you have IT skills to navigate a webpage?

KNOWLEDGE & ATTITUDE TOWARDS SRHR WEBPAGES/SAUTIPLUS WEBPAGE

1.

Do you know RAHU? What do you about RAHU?

2.

Are you aware of RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage providing SRHR information to young people?

3.

Have you ever accessed Sautiplus webpage before?

4.

How did you hear about Sautiplus webpage? What attracted you to this page?

5.

What is your experience using the Sautiplus webpage?

6.

Why haven’t you accessed RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage before? (Non users only)

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WEBPAGE ACCESS 1.

2.

How do you access RAHU’s Sautiplus webpage? (mobile phone, personal computer or school computer) Are you allowed to have the above in your community? (School, home) CONTENT

1.

Did you find the information that you needed from the Sautiplus webpage?

2.

What did you like about the information shared on Sautiplus webpage?

3.

What did you dislike about the information shared on Sautiplus webpage?

4.

What kind of SRHR information is currently being provided on the Sautiplus webpage?

5.

What kind of SRHR information do you think is missing or less covered on the Sautiplus webpage?

6.

What are the reasons for your answers?

7.

Did you find referrals for additional information and services? Is it sufficient?

8.

How can the above be improved?

9.

What is your overall opinion on the information shared the Sautiplus webpage?

DESIGN & LAYOUT

1.

What is your opinion on the design of the Sautiplus webpage?

2.

Is the Sautiplus webpage visually appealing, clean and professional?

3.

Does each page tell the audience where they are in the Sautiplus webpage?

4.

Does the page feature engaging photos that are catchy, pull visitors in, and get them to take action?

5.

Apart from text and photos, which other formants would you like content to be presented on the Sautiplus webpage?

USABILITY

1.

Is content on the Sautiplus webpage laid out in readable chucks with the ability to drill down? (Use of headings to breakdown text).

2.

Is the Sautiplus webpage easy to scan?

3.

Is it is it clear for you where to find the information you need?

4.

Is the language used easy for you to understand to your satisfaction?

5.

Do you feel your privacy is safeguarded on these platforms?

FINAL WORDS

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1.

What do you think about about the Sautiplus webpage in its current state?

2.

Overall, how appropriative do you feel it is to use the Sautiplus webpage to increase access to SRHR among young people in your community?

3.

What are your biggest concerns about Sautiplus webpage?

4.

How best do you think the Sautiplus webpage can be improved?

5.

How best do you think young people can be involved in the managing of the Sautiplus webpage?

6.

What formants and content do you recommend for this webpage?

7.

Would you be willing to share it with others?

8.

Do you have any final questions or recommendations to make?

READ OUT LOUD: Thank you for your participation!

We promise to use the information you have shared to serve you better as RAHU.

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Appendix 2: IDI Guide RAHU’S SAUTIPLUS WEBPAGE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH – IDI GUIDE 6-7-2015 INTERVIEWER COMPLETES A1 – A4 BEFORE INTERVIEW A1

Organization name:

A2

Platform being assessed:

A3

Name of interviewer:

A4

Interview Date:

THE INTERVIEWER IDENTIFIES KEY INFORMANT(IMPLEMENTING STAFF OR MANAGEMENT TEAM MEMBER) INVOLVED IN MANAGING OF SAUTIPLUS WEBPAGE AND FILLS IN THE REST OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE Hello. My name is _______ and I am working with ASK program_______________ on a study assessing potential to upgrade the ‘Sautiplus’ webpage to better reach youth and hard to reach groups with SRHR information and services in Uganda. We appreciate that you play an important role is shaping this and that is why we want to hear from you about your involvement and interaction with the Sautiplus webpage. This is your chance to let ASK program and your organization (RAHU) know your views concerning the Sautiplus webpage i.e. the design, content, operational processes and the changes you would wish to be made on them.

Participation in the study is voluntary. If you choose to participate in the study, it is important that you answer each question as thoughtfully and honestly as possible. Please be patient if some questions don’t apply to you: we need to ask everyone the same questions. Be sure to understand the instructions below before you begin to answer.

Thank you very much for being an important part of this study.

I'd like to start by recording your brief socio-demographic characteristics.

RESPONDENT CHARACTERISTICS 1

2

GENDER OF RESPONDENT

How old are you?

MALE

1

FEMALE

2

AGE:

3

What is your educational background? (Probe for any SRHR training)

4

What is your role here?

5

How long have you performed this role?

6

Do you have past experience in similar work?

7

What is your role in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Sautiplus webpage?

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTITUDE TOWARDS A WEBPAGE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What do you think about use of a webpage to pass on SRHR information to young people in Uganda?

What is your experience in using webpages to increase access to SRHR information to young people?

Has your organization ever supported implementing staff to acquire technical skills related to use of a webpage?

Any kind of support given by management in preparation for your work?

Are there any environmental (social structures, organizational norms, policy& regulations) limitations for e/m health programming in your organization and country at large?

ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS FORE/MHEALTH PROGRAMMING 3.

Is your organization ready to expand the Sautiplus webpage? a. Do you have adequate ICT infrastructure in place? I.e. internet connections, computers etc. b. Do you have adequate resources (human, finance & time) for the Sautiplus webpage? c. Is the staff competence enough to manage an active webpage? d. Why the above response?

LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT SUPPORT & IT COMPETENCES

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1.

How easy do you find using Sautiplus webpage compared to the other online platforms?

2.

How do you rate the management support?

3.

How are the staffs working on the Sautiplus webpage motivated?

4.

To what extent do you feel involved in making decisions regarding managing of Sautiplus webpage at your organization?

5.

Which knowledge and skills gaps do exist in regards to managing of the Sautiplus webpage?

6.

Mention some of the challenges encountered while the webpage to promote behavior change among the youth?

7.

How can they be overcome?

8.

How can the Sautiplus webpage be effectively integrated into traditional medium of delivery of SRHR information to young people?

CONTENT & ITS GENERATION 10. What is the process for generating content for the Sautiplus webpage? Is it systematic?

11. Are there any materials/training provided for content development role?

12. Do you have enough resources? (Time, human & finances) 13. Are young people involved in the development of content of the Sautiplus webpage? If yes, how?

14. What is the process for updating content on the Sautiplus webpage?

15. What factors explain the content updating patterns reported above?

16. How actively are you involved in content generation for the Sautiplus webpage?

17. What kind of SRHR information is currently being provided on the Sautiplus webpage?

18. What kind of SRHR information do you think is missing or less covered on the Sautiplus webpage?

19. What are the reasons for your answers?

20. What is your overall opinion on the content development processes for the Sautiplus webpage?

DESIGN & LAYOUT

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6.

What is your opinion on the process of page design?

7.

Is the Sautiplus webpage visually appealing, clean and professional?

8.

Is content laid out in readable chucks with the ability to drill down? (Use of headings to breakdown text).

9.

Does each page tell the audience where they are in the Sautiplus webpage?

10. Do you feature engaging photos that are catchy, pull visitors in, and get them to take action?

11. Apart from text and photos, which other formants do you present content on the Sautiplus webpage?

12. Do you know the most popular browsers used by your webpage visitors?

13. Is the Sautiplus webpage design attractive in all the major browsers and screen resolutions?

14. Is the Sautiplus webpage easy to scan?

FINAL WORDS 9.

What do you think about about the Sautiplus webpage in its current state?

10. Overall, how appropriative do you feel it is to use the Sautiplus webpage to increase access to SRHR among young people in the ASK project districts and Uganda in general?

11. What are your biggest concerns about Sautiplus webpage managing in your organization?

12. How best do you think the Sautiplus webpage can be improved?

13. How best do you think young people can be involved in the managing of the Sautiplus webpage?

14. Do you have any final questions or recommendations to make?

READ OUT LOUD: Thank you for your participation!

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