Effectiveness of Digital Health Education Interventions on Risk-Reduction Behaviours Among Adolescents in Urban Communities in Lagos State

Abstract The persistent high prevalence of risk-reduction behaviours among adolescents in urban communities underscores a critical public health failure, particularly in the face of promising yet inadequately validated digital health education (DHE) interventions. This study therefore investigated the impact of DHE interventions on these behaviours among adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilising a self-designed instrument, the Digital Health and Adolescent Risk Behaviour Instrument (DHARBI). Validated through expert review and a pilot study, the DHARBI demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. Data were collected from 710 adolescents selected via multi-stage sampling across three urban Local Government Areas. Findings from the independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in high-risk sexual practices between exposed and non-exposed groups (t(708) = -3.891, p < 0.001), leading to the rejection of the first null hypothesis. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between DHE engagement and substance refusal self-efficacy (r = 0.342, p < 0.001), rejecting the second null hypothesis. Regression analysis identified perceived usefulness (β = 0.274, p < 0.001) and peer support as key facilitators. The study concludes that DHE is an effective tool for behaviour modification, but its success is mediated by content relevance and social context. It is recommended that policymakers integrate culturally-adapted DHE into adolescent health strategies and that designers prioritise interactive features that build practical skills and foster peer networks to ensure sustained impact. Keywords: Digital Health Education, Adolescents, Risk-Reduction Behaviours, Urban Communities, Nigeria.