Journal Design Emerald Editorial
African Food Systems Research (Interdisciplinary - incl Agri/Env) | 22 October 2005

Participatory Video Intervention for Hygiene and Childhood Wasting in the Dadaab Refugee Complex

A Case Study
W, a, n, j, i, k, u, M, w, a, n, g, i, ,, A, b, d, i, r, a, h, m, a, n, H, a, s, s, a, n
Participatory VideoRefugee HealthHygiene PromotionChildhood Wasting
Participatory video increased reported handwashing with soap from 22% to 47% of households.
Analysis showed a significant association with reduced odds of childhood wasting (OR: 0.62).
Qualitative findings highlighted enhanced community agency and knowledge retention.
The method offers a culturally resonant tool for health translation in camp settings.

Abstract

{ "background": "Childhood wasting remains a critical public health challenge in protracted refugee settings, where poor hygiene practices exacerbate malnutrition. The Dadaab refugee complex presents a complex environment for implementing sustainable health interventions.", "purpose and objectives": "This case study evaluates the implementation and effect of a novel participatory video intervention designed to improve caregiver hygiene knowledge and practices, with the ultimate aim of reducing childhood wasting rates.", "methodology": "A mixed-methods case study was conducted within selected camps. The intervention involved community members in co-producing hygiene education videos. Their effect was assessed using pre- and post-intervention household surveys measuring hygiene behaviours and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in children under five. The primary analysis employed a logistic regression model: $\\logit(P(Wastingi=1)) = \\beta0 + \\beta1 \\cdot Interventioni + \\beta2 \\cdot Xi + \\epsiloni$, where $Xi$ is a vector of covariates, with robust standard errors clustered at the community level.", "findings": "The intervention was associated with a significant improvement in reported handwashing with soap at critical times, increasing from 22% to 47% of observed households. A reduction in the prevalence of childhood wasting was observed in intervention communities, with the odds ratio estimated at 0.62 (95% CI: 0.48, 0.81). Qualitative data highlighted enhanced community agency and knowledge retention as key themes.", "conclusion": "Participatory video shows promise as a culturally resonant tool for improving hygiene and reducing wasting in refugee camp settings, suggesting that community-led visual media can effectively translate health education into practice.", "recommendations": "Integrate participatory video into routine health and nutrition programming in humanitarian contexts. Future interventions should allocate resources for sustained community facilitation and longitudinal impact assessment.", "key words": "participatory video, wasting, hygiene, refugee health, nutrition, Kenya, behaviour change", "contribution statement": "This study provides novel evidence on the