Peer-reviewed article
Mobile Health Interventions for Caregivers to Prevent Stunting Among Children: A Scoping Review.
Choliq I, Fitriyani VR, Lin SY ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
Limitations
Abstract
Aim To map the current literature on the use of mobile health interventions by caregivers to prevent stunting in children. Background Combining mobile technology with health education or community engagement has shown promise as an intervention for preventing child stunting. Method Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A total of 317 records were assessed, and seven studies were included for critical review. Results Included studies composed of three randomized controlled trials, one quasi-experimental trial and three pilot studies. Types of mobile health interventions included mobile apps, interactive voice response (IVR) audio messages, WhatsApp and chatbots, which were delivered through self-guided and provider-assisted modes. Protocols were conducted through daily or weekly messages or structured multi-week modules over periods of weeks to months. Outcomes measured included caregivers' cognition, child diet, child growth and health, service utilization and maternal well-being. Improvements were observed in caregivers' knowledge and feeding practices. However, the results for child growth and immunization were inconsistent. Conclusion Mobile health interventions have considerable potential to enhance caregivers' knowledge and improve feeding practices, which are crucial for preventing stunting globally.