Open AccessInfluence of Maternal Exposure to Mass Media on Growth Stunting Among Children Under Five: Mediation Analysis Through the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program
Author(s) -
Shutong Huo,
Kai Wang,
Zongchao Liu,
Yuao Yang,
Jia Yi Hee,
Qiwei He,
Rie Takesue,
Rie Takesue,
Kun Tang
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
jmir public health and surveillance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2369-2960
DOI - 10.2196/33394
Subject(s) - sanitation , hygiene , environmental health , mass media , improved sanitation , psychological intervention , malnutrition , water supply , mediation , medicine , business , political science , environmental engineering , advertising , environmental science , nursing , pathology , law
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.