Systematic Review of Mass Media Interventions for Child Survival in Low-and Middle-Income Countries

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Health Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Through a systematic review of the literature, this paper summarizes and evaluates evidence for the effectiveness of mass media interventions for child survival in low- and middle-income countries between 1960 and May 2013. The 110 campaign evaluations that met the inclusion criteria provide evidence that mass media campaigns can positively impact a wide range of child survival health behaviors including antenatal care, vaccination coverage, bed net use, early initiation of breastfeeding, minimum dietary diversity, consumption of iron-rich and vitamin A-rich foods, vitamin A serum status, hand-washing, oral rehydration therapy, tuberculosis testing, use of modern contraceptives, number of sexual partners, ever-use of condoms, delivery preparedness, vasectomies performed, new family planning acceptors, and condom purchasing behavior. Nevertheless, more rigorous evaluations of mass media campaigns are required across a wider range of child survival health outcomes.

Authors

• Danielle Naugle, University of Pennsylvania

• Robert Hornik, U of Pennsylvania