Information Sources and Technologies used for Awareness about severe acute Malnutrition (SAM) among Children: A Survey of Caregivers

Abstract

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major public health issue in Pakistan significantly increasing morbidity and mortality among children under five years age. Although the conventional causes, such as food insecurity, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare services are well established, information and technology variables may also play significant role in the causation and prevention of SAM. This paper explores the effects of information factors such as digital health interventions, mobile health applications and health information access on the incidence and management of SAM in children. Quantitative research approach is used for the current study. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. The findings show that the low rate of digital literacy, poor internet access in rural areas, and absence of IT integration in primary care systems complicate the process of early diagnosis and treatment of SAM. This study comes to the conclusion that IT can be a double-edged sword: while smart use of technology has transformative potential in tackling SAM, a lack of digital infrastructure could sustain health inequities. Reducing the prevalence of child malnutrition in Pakistan may require strengthening information and technology frameworks used in healthcare delivery, especially in underprivileged areas.