Citizen Perceptions on Public Health Communication Management in the fightagainst chronic childhood malnutrition in Ecuador

Abstract

Chronic childhood malnutrition affected 27% of children under 5 years of age in Ecuador, posing a significant obstacle to the country’s well-being and social and economic
development. Public health communication proved essential in addressing this
problem, enabling education, building trust, and mobilizing the community. However,
structural and cultural barriers hindered its effectiveness. The study’s objective was to analyze community perceptions of the communication strategies implemented to
combat chronic childhood malnutrition, assessing their strengths and areas for improvement.
To this end, a systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology,
searching various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO, as well as reports from institutions such as the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health, the
WHO, and UNICEF, with publications published between 2018 and 2024. Three key dimensions were identified: accessibility of messages, cultural adaptation, and trust
in institutions. Although the clarity of the messages and the use of digital media were
highlighted, cultural and linguistic barriers, especially in rural and indigenous communities, limited the impact. A lack of trust in institutions and insufficient adaptation to local contexts also hampered the strategies’ effectiveness. Upon completion of
the work, it was recommended that interventions be improved with an inclusive and
culturally appropriate approach that fosters collaboration with community leaders and
intersectoral policies.