A narrative literature review on media and maternal health in Africa

Abstract

Health communication is a strategy used to disseminate health information to individuals and communities to enable them to make decisions that will enhance their health and well‐being. Particularly in the era of digital health, such strategies tend to emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Access to essential health information is a fundamental aspect of an effective health‐care system and is therefore crucial for achieving universal health coverage and other health‐related sustainable development goals. Traditional media play a crucial role in enhancing maternal and newborn health, which remains a significant challenge in sub‐Saharan Africa. This narrative literature review explores the use of mass media in disseminating maternal health‐related information in Africa. Twenty‐five articles were considered relevant and included in the review. The result is presented under the following themes (1) access to health information, (2) health‐seeking behavior, (3) birth preparedness, and (4) challenges associated with mass media. UNICEF Strategy for Health 2016–2030, African Union agenda 2063, and sustainable development goal #3 informed this review. As a major stakeholder in the African health sectors, the media plays a critical role in tackling systemic health inequities by promoting the sharing of maternal health information with citizens. There is a need for collaboration among all health stakeholders, as well as a sustainable relationship between media practitioners and health authorities for the promotion of improved maternal health in Africa.

Association between media exposure and maternal health service use in Nepal: A further analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey-2022

“…Our findings further support prior research indicating a positive association between women’s internet use and having four or more ANC checkups. This adds weight to the idea that exposure to the internet increases the likelihood of improving maternal health service use [ 20 , 22 , 23 ] as the internet has emerged as a common source of information on maternal health [ 24 ]. These results correspond with the idea that maternal health information, accessible in household and hospital settings aided by internet and mobile devices, helps women to be better aware of health and better prepared for delivery services [ 25 , 26 ].…”

“…This indicates the possibility that health programs broadcasted from television and local radio stations targeting specific segments of women can lead to better use of maternal healthcare services [ 10 ]. Therefore, policymakers and program implementers may consider the media as an important stakeholder due to their role in increasing awareness and improving the use of maternal health services [ 24 ].…”

Strengthening integrated sexual reproductive health and rights and HIV services programs to achieve sustainable development goals 3 and 5 in Africa

“…This would help to integrate federal public health messaging into culturally relevant discussions about SHRH and HIV and is an important strategy to increase capacity building collectively. The use of media advertisements on television and in newspapers is also an effective strategy to rapidly increase health promotion campaigns, shown to be successful in previous HIV education [ 30 , 31 ] and maternal health work in the region [ 32 – 34 ]. These strategies would help improve women’s engagement and autonomy over their health, thereby reducing gender inequalities [ 27 ] and strengthening both individual and collective capacity building through intersectoral collaborations.…”