Effect of Integrating Social and Behavior Change Communication Strategies in Nutrition-Sensitive Social-Protection Programs on Specific Nutritional Outcomes: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT: Achieving adequate nutrition for vulnerable populations is central to the second Sustainable Development Goal. Nutrition-sensitive social-protection programs combined with social and behavior change communication (SBCC) interventions can support this goal, particularly in developing countries. However, systematic evidence on the impact of integrating SBCC strategies into these programs is limited, especially concerning anthropometric outcomes, dietary diversity, food consumption, and food security. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the importance of integrating SBCC interventions into nutrition-sensitive social-protection programs for optimal nutritional outcomes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched for original research articles before December 2024. DATA EXTRACTION: A total of 15 publications, involving data from multiple households, mothers, and children, were identified.…