Why Kenyans Rely More on Google for Medical Diagnosis- Report 

An image of Google offices in the US.
An image of Google offices in the US.
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In a recent study conducted by the Geneva Graduate Institute, Kenyan youths are among others across the globe that rely on the internet and search engines like Google to access medical information.

The report titled, Digital Health and Rights of Young Adults in Ghana published on November 8, Kenya, and Vietnam stated that most youths rely on the internet for privacy.

From those interviewed, young women prefer the non-conventional way of seeking medical information due to guaranteed safety.

An image of social media icons on a mobile phone.
An image of social media icons on display on a mobile phone.
Anadolu Agency

"In the three countries, participants said one key reason they preferred to seek information online was their experiences of stigma when seeking advice at clinics," read part of the report.

Notably, those in Kenya and Ghana added the internet provided information on 'taboo' topics like abortion which is illegal in the two countries.

"Young people increasingly use social media and Google searches as sources of health and information and support," the report read on.

"Our study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence of how young adults use mobile phones for health information in Ghana, Kenya, and Vietnam, and what they see as the impact on their health and rights," noted one of the senior researchers.

From a study, a smaller number of noted they use m-Health apps like menstrual tracking apps, pregnancy apps, and apps for mental health.

Young people also got medical information from several WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

The study advocated for the collaboration between governments through the World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN platforms to press for more robust regulation of social media and web platforms.

Additionally, one of the benefits of sourcing medical information was the rise of innovative social media health champions who offer youth-friendly information and advice, and also make an effort to ground their advice in medically sound sources. They have successfully created safe spaces online for the discussion of sensitive topics with young people. 

However, the over-reliance on the internet for medical information was accompanied by misdiagnosis, threats, verbal abuse, and extortion among others.

A second study has been launched in Bangladesh and Colombia.

Mama Lucy Hospital.
Mama Lucy Hospital.
Kenyans.co.ke
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