Influence of Maternal Exposure to Mass Media on Growth Stunting Among Children Under Five: Mediation Analysis Through the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program

Overview

Journal JMIR Public Health Surveill

Publisher JMIR Publications

Date 2022 Apr 6

PMID 35384848

Authors

Shutong Huo

Kai Wang

Zongchao Liu

Yuao Yang

Jia Yi Hee

Qiwei He

Rie Takesue

Kun Tang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The issue of malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of Congo is severe. Meanwhile, the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene program has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the rates of growth stunting among children.

Objective: We aimed to explore the association between maternal exposure to mass media and stunting in children through water, sanitation, and hygiene behaviors.

Methods: Mediation analysis was conducted using data from the 2018 Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys.

Results: Mothers' exposures to television and the internet in the Democratic Republic of Congo significantly decreases the risk of stunting in children by 5% and 10%, respectively, mediated by household water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and practices.

Conclusions: These findings could inform interventions and policies to reduce the rate of stunting rate children by promoting water, sanitation, and hygiene through mass media, especially through the internet and television.

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