Infodemic as a structural barrier to sexual and reproductive health service utilization in Africa: a rapid critical narrative review

Background Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are crucial for public health, gender equality, and sustainable development in Africa. However, the use of these services has been increasingly hindered by infodemic, characterized by an overwhelming amount of information, whether accurate or not, that complicates access to trustworthy guidance. Although infodemic is often seen mainly as issues of digital misinformation, their wider structural, social, and epistemic aspects within the African context have not been thoroughly examined in the literature. Methods This study conducted a rapid critical narrative review of literature published from 2020 to 2025. From a total of 38 sources, 21 articles specifically focusing on SRH and information environments in Africa were selected for a detailed interpretive synthesis. To ensure representation across the continent, the review incorporates evidence from 12 countries, including those in Western (Nigeria, Ghana), Central (Gabon, Angola, DRC), Eastern (Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi), Northern (Egypt, Morocco), Southern (South Africa), and Insular Africa (Madagascar). Findings: The synthesis reveals that SRH-related infodemic serve as structural barrier through four interconnected mechanisms: (1) scientific uncertainty and information gaps during health crises, (2) socially ingrained myths stemming from historical institutional distrust, (3) the “digital-to-oral” translation pathway, and (4) gender-specific disparities in health literacy. Conclusion Infodemic act as structural barriers to SRH services, rather than merely isolated communication breakdowns. Enhancing SRH systems necessitates the development of robust communication ecosystems that bridge the digital divide, involve community leaders, and honor local historical contexts across Africa's varied landscapes.