A National Communication Campaign in Indonesia Is Associated with Improved WASH-Related Knowledge and Behaviors in Indonesian Mothers

Abstract

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) behaviors play a significant role in stunting. Knowledge and behaviors regarding WASH among caregivers are critical to providing children with chances to survive and thrive. The purpose of this study is to determine if exposure to a national communication campaign using media and interpersonal communication (IPC) is associated with WASH-related knowledge and behaviors among Indonesian mothers with children under the age of two. Methods: Data came from a cross-sectional survey of 1734 mothers with children under the age of two. The measures included exposure to two different interventions: media messages (media) and interpersonal communication strategies (IPC) and WASH-related knowledge and behavior. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between intervention exposure and study variables. Results: Exposure to both media and IPC interventions was associated with participants having a higher knowledge of appropriate defecation practices (p < 0.001), higher knowledge of proper handwashing practices (p < 0.001), and higher self-reported handwashing at critical times (p < 0.001) but was not associated with reported practicing of appropriate defecation (OR = 0.780, 95% CI: 0.566–1.101). Mothers exposed to only media interventions were more likely to have knowledge of appropriate defecation practices (p < 0.001) and to have reported practicing appropriate defecation behaviors (OR = 1.539, 95% CI: 1.173–2.019). Mothers exposed to only IPC interventions were more likely to have reported handwashing at critical times (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Exposure to both media and IPC interventions was associated with increased knowledge and optimal behaviors related to WASH. These findings demonstrate the value of communications campaigns that use mass media coupled with IPC to improve WASH knowledge and behavior.

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

“…A plausible explanation could be that mothers are able to gain more information about nutrition and childcare from mass media. Moreover, other studies [ 24 , 31 , 41 ] have indicated media access is associated with water, sanitation, and hygiene–related knowledge and behaviors. Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene is related to the substantial global burden of disease and disability due to subsequent malnutrition [ 42 , 43 ].…”

“…In sub-Saharan Africa, stunting is significantly associated with mass media exposure [ 27 - 29 ]. Studies conducted in other low- or middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh [ 30 ], Indonesia [ 31 ], and India [ 32 ] also found that the exposure of mother to the mass media is associated with stunting. In India, a community-led and community-managed programs using technology and mass media to change community behavior reduced stunting rates in children under 2 years [ 3 ].…”

Changes in residents’ hygiene awareness and behaviors in public toilets before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hangzhou, China: a two-round cross-sectional study

“…Raised hygiene knowledge and awareness [25,26] and higher risk perceptions [27][28][29] promote hygiene behaviors. During the pandemic, authorities organized pervasive public health education campaigns on personal hygiene to prevent acquisition of the virus [30].…”

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

“…In sub-Saharan Africa, stunting is significantly associated with mass media exposure [27][28][29]. Studies conducted in other low-or middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh [30], Indonesia [31], and India [32] also found that the exposure of mother to the mass media is associated with stunting. In India, a community-led and community-managed programs using technology and mass media to change community behavior reduced stunting rates in children under 2 years [3].…”