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Introduction to Behavior Change Communication (BCC)

 
Behavior Change Communication (BCC) is a tool for promoting and sustaining risk-reducing behavior change in individuals and communities by distributing tailored messages in a variety of communication channels. BCC involves negotiation with the individual or community for behavior change. It uses dialogue, messages, persuasion, interpersonal and group communication as a means of exchanging information, ideas, skills and values aimed at bringing about behavior change or adoption of safe behavior. Negotiation happens at all levels and involves several people. Ultimately it involves negotiation with ‘Self’ to practice desired behavior.

Communication Pyramid
Behaviour change communication uses a science based approach to communication that involves behavioural sciences, social learning, persuasion theory to achieve realistic targets. It emphasises on audience involvement and participation throughout the BCC process and recognises that behaviour change is much a societal process as it is an individual decision making process.

Appreciation of the crucial role of environment to capture attention, interest and most importantly emotions to make learning and change a pleasurable experience is one of the key salient feature of BCC. It focuses on sustainability of communication messages and strategies. It should be understood that behaviour change is a goal, but people move through several stages and steps before they change behaviour.

Difference between BCC and IEC:

Providing people with information and telling them how they should behave (“teaching” them) is not enough to bring about behavior change. While providing information to help people to make a personal decision is a necessary part of behavior change, BCC recognizes that behavior is not only a matter of having information and making a personal choice. Behavior change also requires a supportive environment. Recalling the interventions model, we learned that ”behavior change communication” is influenced by “development” and “services provision” and that the individual is influenced by community and society. Community and society provide the supportive environment necessary for behavior change. IEC is thus part of BCC while BCC builds on IEC.

Points to consider before designing a BCC intervention:

Before designing a BCC intervention, it is important to be clear about exactly whose behavior is to be influenced and which aspect of their behavior should be the focus for change. Communities are made up of different groups with different risk and vulnerability factors. Even within the same broad group, there may be subgroups with distinct characteristics. Different target groups will require different approaches. Therefore, when making decisions about which target groups and which factors to address, it is necessary to consider:
• which target groups are most vulnerable;
• which risk / vulnerability factors are most important;
• which factors may be related to the impact of conflict and displacement;
• which target groups and risk / vulnerability factors the community wants to address;
• what could be motivators for behavior change;
• what could be barriers to behavior change;
• what type of messages will be meaningful to each target group;
• which communication media would best reach the target group;
• which services/resources are accessible to the target group;
• which target groups and risk / vulnerability factors are feasible in terms of expertise, resources and time.

Communication Channels and Media:

Brainstorm ideas about the most effective ways to deliver the messages that was created for the project implementing sector. There are many creative ways to reach a target audience with messages and materials. Some ways that target audiences can be reached include:
1.Interpersonal Methods: Individual counseling, Telephone hot lines, Outreach, Peer education, Group counseling
2. Small Media: Flip charts, Brochures, Slides, Posters, Video, Audio tapes, Pamphlets, Leaflets, Fliers, Flip books
3. Mass Media: Radio, Television, Film/video, Newspaper, Theater, Music, Folk media, Magazines, auto campaign, exhibitions, Cinema slides, Audio tapes, Local arts
4. Training: Training practitioners and training peer educators in communication skills
5. Special Events: Sports games, observing important days, school fairs, holidays

Pretesting:

A successful BCC program requires careful research and thorough pre-testing of communication materials. It is important not to underestimate the effort that is needed to carry out good quality behavioral research, which yields findings that are accurate and useful.

“…Research and proper planning form the foundation of an effective communication campaign. Knowing the needs of the population and the best means of reaching that audience are crucial in achieving the goal of raising awareness and, ultimately, changing attitudes and behaviors…The key is to determine the needs and desires of the audience, then deliver messages and products that offer real benefits. Many social change campaigns fail because the message is not meaningful or relevant and consequently not motivating to members of the target audience…” (AIDSCAP/FHI. Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Chapter 4: An approach to effective communication. Undated: AIDSCAP Electronic library.)

When draft materials have been developed, pretest them with members of the target audience before printing or producing them.

Materials are pretested to a) Assess comprehension and readability b) Assess recall of the messages c) Identify strong and weak points d) Determine whether the personal benefits are strong enough to promote behavior change e) Look for sensitive or controversial elements.

There are two ways to pretest a material:
• Individual interviews
• Focus group interviews

No matter which pretesting method is choosen, it is needed to provide respondents with a environment in which they feel comfortable discussing the messages and materials you show them. Give the respondent a copy of your draft material and ask some of these questions:
1. What information is this page trying to convey?
2. In your own words, what does the text mean?
3. What does this picture show? Is it telling you to do anything? If yes, what?
4. Do the words match the picture on the page? Why or why not?
5. What do you like/dislike about this page?
6. Are there any words in the text you do not understand? Which ones? (If so, explain the meaning and ask respondents to suggest other words that can be used to convey that meaning)
7. Are there any words that you think others might have trouble reading or understanding? (Again, ask for alternatives.)
8. Are there sentences or ideas that are not clear? (If so, have respondents show you what they are. After explaining the intended message, ask the group to discuss better ways to convey the idea)
9. Is there anything you like/dislike about these messages?
10. Is there anything you like/dislike about the pictures (use of colors, kind of people represented, etc.,)?
11. Is there anything controversial or sensitive about these messages or pictures?
12. We want the materials to be as good as possible and easily understood by others. How can we improve the pictures?
13. What other suggestions do you have for improving this material (pictures, words or both)?
14. (After collecting the material say...) “Let’s review. Tell us what you think were the most important messages.”

When pretesting the materials, there could probably need some changes. Answer the following questions to help you decide on any necessary changes:
1. Were the target audience members able to understand the messages and the language in which the messages were presented?
2. Were the target audience members able to remember the messages they were presented?
3. What did the target audience like best about the materials and messages?
4. What did the target audience like least about the materials and messages?
5. Was the target audience able to perceive the benefit(s) recommended in the messages?
6. Were there any controversial or sensitive issues raised by the target audience?
7. What changes, if any, were recommended by the target audience? Explain.

If the answers to these questions seek for changing the messages and materials, be sure to test them again after the revisions.

Interventions:

• Plan the most effective interventions to reach the audience.
• Use a combination of interpersonal, small media, mass media, and other activities to achieve the best results!
• Consider methods that will be entertaining for the target audience (e.g., theater, music, etc.)
• Think about the interventions to reach your target audience with the materials and messages developed.

Measures of Success:

All projects need to include a way for planners to learn whether the project has been successful. Some measures of success require both baseline and post-intervention data to evaluate. Success means that the communication objectives have been met. Depending on the communication objectives, the following indicators may be used:
• Self-reported movement from one stage of change to the next
• Recall of messages in random surveys
• Actual production and distribution of materials among the target group(s)
• Number of people trained
• Number of radio spots aired
• Findings from surveys of reported behavior or attitude
• Questionnaires (with information knowledge exams)
• Observations of activities
• Field reports
• Attendance records
• other?

Way Forward:

Social norms and public policies influence behavior change. A strategic shift must be also be attempted simultaneously. Behavior change communication is not a stand alone strategy. It has to be used in conjunction with other strategies for creation of enabling environment.


Special Thanks:

1. RHRC
2. UNICEF

Young professionals programme - 2012

The United Nations is looking for highly qualified candidates who are ready to launch a professional career as an international civil servant. The young professionals programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative that brings new talent to the United Nations through an annual entrance examination. For young, high-calibre professionals across the globe, the examination is a platform for launching a career at the United Nations. This programme builds upon the national competitive recruitment examination (NCRE) which was held for the last time in 2010.

Are you eligible to participate in the young professionals programme examination?
Do you hold at least a first-level university degree?
Are you 32 or younger by the end of this year?
Do you speak either English and/or French fluently?
Are you a national of a participating country?

The examination is held worldwide and is open to nationals of countries participating in the annual recruitment exercise - the list of participating countries is published annually and varies from year to year. This year this opportunity is open to Indian natiionals also.


2012 participating countries:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bhutan
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam
Central African Republic
Chad
Colombia
Comoros
Cyprus
Estonia
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Guinea-Bissau
Honduras
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kiribati
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Mozambique
Namibia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Romania
Saint Lucia
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Spain
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Togo
Tonga
Turkey
Tuvalu
United Kingdom
United States
Vanuatu

The examination tests the participants substantive knowledge, analytical thinking, drafting abilities, as well as their awareness of international affairs.

Initially the selected candidates will be appointed for two years and then be reviewed for a continuing appointment. The Organization promotes mobility within and across duty stations and job families. As a new recruit the selected candidates are expected to work in at least two different functions and duty stations within your first five years of service. The selected candidates will be offered orientation and mobility training as well as career support. This will help them adapt and accelerate the learning period leading to productive work and job satisfaction as an international civil servant.


2012 examination will be offered in the following job families:

Architecture
Economic Affairs
Information System and Technology
Political Affairs
Radio Producer
Social Affairs

Last date for applying: 12.09.2012

For more information regarding this programme, kindly visit this site - https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=NCE&lang=en-US

Appointment of Chairperson, National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities

Department of Disability Affairs,Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India is inviting applications from suitable candidates are invited for appointment to the post of Chairperson, National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities, a statutory body constituted under Section 3(1) of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 (hereafter, "the Act"). As per Section 3(4)(a) of the Act, the Chairperson, has to be a person "having expertise and experience in the field of autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disability".

Detailed eligibility criteria, other relevant details and the application form are available on the Ministry's website http://www.socialjustice.nic.in.

Candidates, fulfilling the eligibility criteria, may apply in the prescribed proforma, together with the supporting documents within forty five(45) days of publication of this advertisement to:

Smt. Nidhi Khare,
Director,(Disability Division),
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment,
Room No.633 'A' Wing, Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi- 110115
(E-mail: nidhikhare2001@yahoo.com)


Advertisement Date: 11.08.2012
For more information and application proforma, visit this link

Truvada approved to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV in people who are not infected with the virus


On July 16, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved Truvada (a fixed dose combination of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) to reduce the risk of HIV infection in uninfected individuals who are at high risk of HIV infection and who may engage in sexual activity with HIV-infected partners.Truvada is to be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in combination with safer sex practices to prevent sexually-acquired HIV infection in adults at high risk. Truvada is the first drug approved for this indication.

Truvada for PrEP is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention plan that includes risk reduction counseling consistent and correct condom use, regular HIV testing, and screening for and treatment of other sexually-transmitted infections. Truvada is not a substitute for safer sex practices

FDA previously approved Truvada (August, 2004) to be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-infected adults and children 12 years or older.

As part of PrEP, HIV-uninfected individuals who are at high risk will need to take Truvada daily to lower their chances of becoming infected with HIV should they be exposed to the virus. Again, PrEP indication means Truvada is approved for use as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that includes other prevention methods, such as safe sex practices, risk reduction counseling, and regular HIV testing.

As a part of this action, FDA is strengthening Truvada’s Boxed Warning to alert health care professionals and uninfected individuals that Truvada for PrEP must only be used by individuals who are confirmed to be HIV-negative prior to prescribing the drug and at least every three months during use to reduce the risk of development of resistant HIV-1 variants. The drug is contraindicated for PrEP in individuals with unknown or positive HIV status.

Truvada for PrEP is being approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). The central component of this REMS is a prescriber training and education program to assist prescribers in counseling and managing individuals who are taking or considering Truvada for PrEP. The training and education program will not restrict distribution of Truvada but will provide information about the important elements of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, the importance of adhering to the recommended daily dosing regimen, the serious risks of taking Truvada for PrEP if already infected with the virus or becoming infected with HIV while taking Truvada for the PrEP indication.

“The REMS for Truvada for the PrEP indication is aimed at educating health care professionals and uninfected individuals to help ensure its safe use for this indication without placing an unnecessary burden on health care professionals and patients who use Truvada for treating HIV infection.

Truvada’s safety and efficacy for PrEP were demonstrated in two large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The iPrEx trial evaluated Truvada in 2,499 HIV-negative men or transgender women who have sex with men and with evidence of high risk behavior for HIV infection, such as inconsistent or no condom use during sex with a partner of positive or unknown HIV status, a high number of sex partners, and exchange of sex for commodities. Results showed Truvada was effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection by 42 percent compared with placebo in this population. Efficacy was strongly correlated with drug adherence in this trial.

The Partners PrEP trial was conducted in 4,758 heterosexual couples where one partner was HIV-infected and the other was not (serodiscordant couples). The trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Truvada and tenofovir versus placebo in preventing HIV infection in the uninfected male or female partner. Results showed Truvada reduced the risk of becoming infected by 75 percent compared with placebo.

No new side effects were identified in the clinical trials evaluating Truvada for the PrEP indication. The most common side effects reported with Truvada include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and weight loss. Serious adverse events in general, as well as those specifically related to kidney or bone toxicity, were uncommon.

As a condition of approval, Truvada’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, Inc., is required to collect viral isolates from individuals who acquire HIV while taking Truvada and evaluate these isolates for the presence of resistance. Additionally, the company is required to collect data on pregnancy outcomes for women who become pregnant while taking Truvada for PrEP and to conduct a trial to evaluate levels of drug adherence and their relationship to adverse events, risk of seroconversion, and resistance development in seroconverters. Gilead has committed to provide national drug utilization data in order to better characterize individuals who utilize Truvada for a PrEP indication and to develop an adherence questionnaire that will assist prescribers in identifying individuals at risk for low compliance.


Gilead Sciences, Inc. is based in Foster City, CA.


Additional Information


Richard Klein
Office of Special Health Issues
Food and Drug Administration
Kimberly Struble
Division of Antiviral Drug Products
Food and Drug Administration


Information Courtesy:

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm312264.htm

Introduction to Nation Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

The Government of India’s $5.1 billion National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is one of the world’s largest initiatives to improve the livelihoods of poor rural people and boost the rural economy. It aims to make a multidimensional impact on the lives of India’s rural poor by mobilizing them, particularly the women, into robust grassroots institutions of their own where, with the strength of the group behind them, they will be able to exert voice and accountability over providers of educational, health, nutritional and financial services. This, based on past experience, is expected to have a transformational social and economic impact, supporting India’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals on Nutrition, Gender, and Poverty.

National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) recognizes that the poor people have the potential to come out of poverty with proper handholding, training and capacity building and credit linkage. The handholding support to the SHGs will be in the form of external and internal. External support structure will consist of dedicated professional institutions at the State level, district level and sub – district level whereas internal support structure will evolve in the form of SHG federations at the village level, and block level and later on at district level. NRLM also recognizes that poor people have multiple livelihoods – wage employment and self employment. It will stabilize and enhance incomes from both the livelihoods. It will also promote diversification of livelihoods.

NRLM aims to reach out to all the rural poor families (BPL families) and link them to sustainable livelihoods opportunities. It will nurture them till they comeout of poverty and enjoy a decent quality of life.To achieve this, NRLM will put in place dedicated and sensitive support structures at various levels.These structures will work towards organising the poor, building their capacities and the capacities of their organisations, enabling them access to finance and other livelihoods resources. The support institutions will play the roles of initiating the processes of organising them in the beginning,providing the livelihoods services and sustaining the livelihoods outcomes subsequently. The support structures will also work with the unemployed rural poor youth for skilling them and providing employment either in jobs, mostly in high growth sectors, or in remunerative self-employment and micro-enterprises.

The core belief of National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is that the poor have innate capabilities and a strong desire to come out of poverty. They are entrepreneurial, an essential coping mechanism to survive under conditions of poverty. The challenge is to unleash their capabilities to generate meaningful livelihoods and enable them to come out of poverty.

NRLM mission is to reduce poverty by enabling the poor households to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities resulting in appreciable improvement in their livelihoods on a sustainable basis, through building strong and sustainable grassroots institutions of the poor.

Introduction to National Urban Sanitation Policy

The vision of the National Urban Sanitation Policy is that all Indian cities and towns become totally sanitised, healthy and liveable and ensure and sustain good public health and environmental outcomes for all their citizens with a special focus on hygienic and affordable sanitation facilities for the urban poor and women. The focus of the Policy is on Awareness Generation and Behavioural Change by generating awareness about sanitation and its linkages with public and environmental health amongst communities and institutions and also promoting mechanisms to bring about and sustain behavioural changes aimed at adoption of healthy sanitation practices;

In order to achieve this goal, the following activities shall be undertaken:
  • Promoting access to households with safe sanitation facilities (including proper disposal arrangements);
  • Promoting community-planned and managed toilets wherever necessary, for groups of households who have constraints of space, tenure or economic constraints in gaining access to individual facilities;
  • Adequate availability and 100 % upkeep and management of Public Sanitation facilities in all Urban Areas, to rid them of open defecation and environmental hazards;

National Urban Sanitation Policy


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