Information Technology-Based Interventions in Stunting Prevention: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Prevention of stuting in childhood is difficult to achieve with interventions that focus only on improving nutrition. Information technology-based interventions are increasingly used to support behavioral change in stunting prevention. This study aims to conduct a systematic review to evaluate information technology-based interventions in relation to addressing nutritional problems in early childhood. Method: We conducted a systematic review using electronic databases (Science Direct, Sage Journals, Scopus, ProQuest) limited to the last 5 years from 2019 to 2024 with relevant keywords. The study included RCT, pilot and case-control methods that focused on children under 5 years of age and reported at least one outcome of a change in maternal behavior with stunted children. Of the studies taken, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The interventions in this systematic review were multifaceted, including smartphones, internet/web and a combination of multiple interventions. In total 100% of the 8 studies showed positive results from the interventions shown in terms of clinical, behavioral change in a positive direction and increased knowledge. Conclusion: This evidence shows the potential for IT-based interventions (i.e. smartphones, internet/web, android apps, text messaging and whatsapp) to support positive behaviour change in preventing stutning. The variety of interventions in this systematic review requires further research on which interventions are best implemented.