Article type
Abstract
Background: Government of India launched Anemia Mukt Bharat in 2018, a multisectoral, evidence-based, national strategy to accelerate anemia reduction. But the levels of anemia continue to rise.
Objective: The broad objective was to review evidence on the impact of behavior change communication and social marketing interventions on reducing anemia and on improving compliance to iron folic acid supplements in LMICs.
Method: The review used the adapt, agree, and act framework based on the transtheoretical model for the review. The systematic process was followed to search, screen and code the evidence. A PubMed search and a hand search of relevant websites and journals was followed by screening of 15,744 titles, abstracts, and full text for relevance to the three topics based on criteria outlined in PICOs framework. A total of 30 articles met the criteria for inclusion and were included in the review. The review used meta-analysis and thematic synthesis to analyze the data. The outcome studied in the review is improved compliance of micronutrient supplementation.
Results: The included studies examined BCC and social marketing to improve knowledge, compliance, and adherence to micronutrient supplements. The BCC messages focused on the following: the preparation of food mixed with MNPs, and the MNP/IFAS dosing schedule. The review shows that the causal process through which the interventions have an impact on the outcome is by making the individuals or target population aware or agree about the topic/issue/concern. The change in awareness level after intervention has been studied as knowledge outcomes. The target population who has received the intervention adopts a particular behavior (pooled effect d-1.18; 95% CI- 0.61, 1.76). This had an impact on reducing the levels of anemia and improving hemoglobin levels (pooled effect d- 0.76; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.14). The thematic synthesis has resulted in the following themes: availability, accessibility and adherence; knowledge, communication and engagement; and programmatic and implementation challenges.
Conclusion: Overall, the review shows that there is a positive impact of the BCC or social marketing strategies in improving the compliance of IFAS or MMN supplements.
Objective: The broad objective was to review evidence on the impact of behavior change communication and social marketing interventions on reducing anemia and on improving compliance to iron folic acid supplements in LMICs.
Method: The review used the adapt, agree, and act framework based on the transtheoretical model for the review. The systematic process was followed to search, screen and code the evidence. A PubMed search and a hand search of relevant websites and journals was followed by screening of 15,744 titles, abstracts, and full text for relevance to the three topics based on criteria outlined in PICOs framework. A total of 30 articles met the criteria for inclusion and were included in the review. The review used meta-analysis and thematic synthesis to analyze the data. The outcome studied in the review is improved compliance of micronutrient supplementation.
Results: The included studies examined BCC and social marketing to improve knowledge, compliance, and adherence to micronutrient supplements. The BCC messages focused on the following: the preparation of food mixed with MNPs, and the MNP/IFAS dosing schedule. The review shows that the causal process through which the interventions have an impact on the outcome is by making the individuals or target population aware or agree about the topic/issue/concern. The change in awareness level after intervention has been studied as knowledge outcomes. The target population who has received the intervention adopts a particular behavior (pooled effect d-1.18; 95% CI- 0.61, 1.76). This had an impact on reducing the levels of anemia and improving hemoglobin levels (pooled effect d- 0.76; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.14). The thematic synthesis has resulted in the following themes: availability, accessibility and adherence; knowledge, communication and engagement; and programmatic and implementation challenges.
Conclusion: Overall, the review shows that there is a positive impact of the BCC or social marketing strategies in improving the compliance of IFAS or MMN supplements.