The Radio Communication Project (RCP) in Nepal is an ongoing, theory-based, integrated multi-media reproductive health campaign, which began in 1995. The RCP seeks to increase the demand for family planning/reproductive health services and at the same time improve the quality of FP services through training of government health workers. The RCP consists of two radio serials (one for the general public and a dramatized distance education serial for health workers), additional radio spot promotions and complementary print material. The serials follow the "enter-educate" approach to health communication: providing enjoyable entertainment while educating the audience. Integrated within the program design are Interpersonal Communication and Counseling (IPC/C) trainings and social mobilization activities for both health workers and communities.
Nepal's rugged terrain, the remoteness of the typical Nepali village, high unmet need for family planning (32%) , high reach of radio (68%) and low literacy rates make radio the ideal medium for disseminating family planning/reproductive health information. The poster provides an overview of the RCP including data on the popularity of the serials and the reach and of its health messages in Nepal. The results of systematic, long-term evaluation of the RCP show that exposure to the Radio Communication Project has a clear impact on Nepali Health Workers and general public's reproductive health behaviors. The findings illustrate how an integrated mass-media health communication campaign like the RCP can serve as a synergistic model for behavior change communication programs in other countries.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. Understand the importance of the synergistic impact of simultaneously improving the public demand for quality reproductive health services and the supply through provider training. 2. Recognize the extent to which mass media programs based on the enter-educate approach can increase knowledge and change behavior.
Keywords: Behavior Modification, Communication
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment