Factors affecting Rohingya mothers’ willingness to embrace online nutrition education for child health in Bangladesh

What is it about?

Abstract Background: Traditional nutrition education in refugee settings faces challenges like limited resources and low literacy. Online nutrition education offers a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective way to improve dietary practices. For Rohingya refugees, adopting such tools could transform health outcomes. For Rohingya refugee women, adopting digital nutrition tools may not only improve child nutrition but also promote long-term maternal health by enhancing their nutritional awareness and decision-making capacity. Therefore, this study examines the factors influencing married Rohingya women's adoption of online nutrition education to improve child health. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 married Rohingya women aged 15-49 living in the Rohingya Camp of Cox’s Bazar district, utilizing a structured questionnaire. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were performed to identify factors influencing willingness to adopt online nutritional education among participants. Results: Significant willingness (68.12%) to adopt online nutritional education was observed. Key factors influencing willingness included nutritional awareness (AOR=3.51, 95% CI: 1.827-6.764), perceived benefits of online learning (AOR=3.40, 95% CI: 2.024-5.735), and familiarity with digital devices (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.071-3.572). Access to the internet posed a challenge (AOR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.213-0.720, p<0.01), with limited availability of the internet affecting adoption rates. Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial opportunity to enhance health outcomes through online nutritional education among Rohingya women. Empowering mothers with digital nutrition knowledge may contribute to reduced pregnancy-related complications and foster healthier family environments. By addressing digital literacy and leveraging internet accessibility, these interventions may significantly improve health practices and reduce malnutrition.

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