Work

Determinants of women’s exposure to mass media and its influence on healthcare utilization in Somaliland: a multilevel analysis of SLDHS 2020 data

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mass media is a critical tool for disseminating health information. This study identifies factors associated with women's media exposure and its link to healthcare utilization in Somaliland. METHODS: Using SLDHS 2020 data ([Formula: see text]), we applied multilevel binary logistic regression to account for individual and community-level variations., with results reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Significant disparities in media access exist based on wealth quintile and residential status. Multilevel modeling revealed that community-level factors account for approximately 16% of the variance in media exposure. Women in the highest wealth quintile and those in urban areas had significantly higher odds of exposure compared to nomadic and rural counterparts. CONCLUSION: Media exposure in Somaliland is shaped by structural, socioeconomic, and community-level barriers rather than individual choice alone. Policymakers should move beyond reliance on traditional broadcasting and prioritize community-based interpersonal communication, mobile/SMS health messaging, and outreach through trusted local health workers to reach uneducated, low-literate, rural, and nomadic women.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-28528-1

Authors: Yahye Hassan Muse, Mohamed Abdi Abdullahi, Abdisalam Hassan Muse, Mukhtar Abdi Hassan, Saralees Nadarajah

Institutions: University of Hargeisa, Amoud University, University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Media Influence and Health

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, No poverty, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290