What does this research mean for the field?

A participatory video intervention significantly improves hygiene practices and reduces childhood wasting rates in the Dadaab refugee complex. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate how a participatory video intervention affects caregiver hygiene knowledge and practices to reduce childhood wasting in a refugee setting.

March 13, 2026Open Access

Participatory Video Intervention for Hygiene and Childhood Wasting in the Dadaab Refugee Complex: A Case Study

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate how a participatory video intervention affects caregiver hygiene knowledge and practices to reduce childhood wasting in a refugee setting.
Mixed-methods case study in selected refugee camps
Community members co-produced hygiene education videos
Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured hygiene behaviors and mid-upper arm circumference in children under five
Analysis used a logistic regression model
Handwashing with soap improved from 22% to 47% in households
Odds ratio for childhood wasting reduction was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.48, 0.81)
Qualitative data noted enhanced community agency and knowledge retention

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: \ (P (Wastingi=1) ) = \0 + \1 \ Interventioni + \2 \ Xi + \, 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

Participatory Video Intervention for Hygiene and Childhood Wasting in the Dadaab Refugee Complex: A Case Study

Key Points

Abstract

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