Date of Completion

8-24-2018

Embargo Period

8-24-2018

Keywords

mass media campaign, family planning, media dependency, communication infrastructure theory, meta-analysis

Major Advisor

Dr. Leslie Snyder

Associate Advisor

Dr. Mark Hamilton

Associate Advisor

Dr. John Christensen

Field of Study

Communication Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

Effective family planning methods are shown to save lives, contribute to gender equality, and boost economic development. In many developing countries, a lack of knowledge regarding family spacing and contraceptives prevents women and couples from effectively managing their childbearing. Mass media-delivered communication campaigns in developing countries have shown mixed results in effectively increasing contraceptive use.A series of bivariate meta-analyses were conducted using two types of random-effects analysis – the Hedges-Vevea method and the Hunter-Schmidt method. Results indicated that mass media-delivered family planning campaigns have a positive impact on family planning behaviors. Effect sizes were consistent with previous research on the impact of mass media-delivered campaigns, with d = .20, 95% CI [.17, .23] for a combined audience of males and females (K= 37), d = .19, 95% CI [.15, .24] for females alone (K= 64), and d = .16, 95% CI [.11, .21] for males alone (K= 27). Meta-regression analysis indicated that for women, mass media family planning campaigns that included an entertainment-education component were positively related to family planning behaviors as well as campaigns that prompted subsequent interpersonal communication with healthcare workers. Recommendations for future family planning mass media campaigns and academic research opportunities are discussed.

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