ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Digit. Health
Sec. Health Informatics
This article is part of the Research TopicReshaping Health Informatics: Enhancing Digital Tools and Human Services through DesignView all 3 articles
"I need to feel safe before I can engage": Embedding trauma-informed principles in sexual and reproductive health digital technologies
Provisionally accepted
Abdul-Fatawu Abdulai1*
Agnes Kyamulabi2- 1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- 2The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Background: The use of digital health technologies to access information and services related to sexual and reproductive health has been increasing. Despite the usefulness of these technologies, there are emerging concerns that they could inadvertently trigger, perpetuate and exacerbate trauma among patients. The purpose of this study was to explore trauma-informed care principles that could be applied in designing and/or utilizing sexual and reproductive health services. Method: We conducted 5 focus group discussions with participants who have used digital health technologies to access sexual and reproductive health services in Western Canada. The discussion centred on ways sexual health-related digital technologies could prevent triggering or perpetuating trauma among patients. The discussion took place over Zoom, and the data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The study revealed five main considerations that could be adopted in the design and use of sexual and reproductive health technologies to prevent the unintended consequences of trauma. These include 1) integrating accessibility and inclusivity features; 2) integrating confidentiality, safety, and privacy features like quick exit buttons; 3) using empathetic language and terminologies; 4) integrating emotional and psychological support services; and 5) implementing aesthetic design features. Conclusion: The findings of this study would help produce equitable, safe, and empowering digital health technologies for all users, particularly trauma survivors. By integrating these principles, developers and healthcare providers can create tools that reduce barriers, mitigate re-traumatization risks, and promote positive health outcomes. Future research should focus on evaluating the implementation and impact of trauma-informed digital tools in diverse settings.
Keywords: Digital Health, Focus group discussions, Sexual and reproductive health, technology-related trauma, Trauma-informed care
Received: 27 Oct 2025; Accepted: 13 Feb 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Abdulai and Kyamulabi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Abdul-Fatawu Abdulai
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.