Social Behavior Changes Communication Intervention for Stunting Prevention: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Interpersonal communication, media, and community/social mobilization were the most commonly
used social and behavior change approaches.
AIM: The present review sought to review and synthesize the present literature regarding social behavior changes
communication intervention for stunting prevention.
METHODS: We searched Medline, PsychINFO, and PubMed (January 2000 and December 2020) and conducted ancestral and online searches in peer-reviewed and English language journals for eligible studies. The search parameters included the following search terms: “Complementary feeding” OR “child feeding” OR “infant feeding” AND “behavior change” or “behavior change communication” OR “nutrition education” OR “social marketing” OR “social and behavior change” AND “behaviors” or “practices” OR “stunting” OR “underweight” OR “wasting.”
RESULTS: Our overall search yielded 1119 studies and 56 full-texts were assessed for eligibility, resulted in five
articles included in review. All studies reported that SBCC was feasible to increased expenditures on eggs and flesh
foods, minimum dietary diversity, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, knowledge and practices towards infant and youth complementary feeding, and reduced stunting prevalence.
CONCLUSION: Social and behavior communication change interventions using multiple platforms were feasible
and effective. This study provided an approach for prevention of stunting that can be basic evidence for health-care policy to improve prevention programs on stunting with the local community and widely provide culturally training for all community trough cadre as a first line of the health-care system.