The aim of this paper is to examine the role of a religious leaders' family planning campaign in changing attitudes among this influential group in Guinea. In 1999, the USAID-sponsored reproductive health project - Pour Renforcer les Interventions en Santé Reproductive et MST/SIDA (PRISM) - implemented a multi-media campaign targeting islamic religious leaders in Guinea. The Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs (JHU/CCP) provided technical assistance for the intervention. Using pre and post-intervention surveys conducted among a panel of 98 respondents, the evaluation aimed to clarify pertinent changes among the target population. This paper will show that, four months into the intervention, the religious leaders who were exposed to project activities had improved knowledge about modern contraceptives and have developed more favorable attitudes towards modern family planning. Moreover, they were better informed about the positive position of Islam towards family planning and were better involved in advocacy for family planning. In addition, both current use and intention to practice modern family planning had increased. Finally, the paper will show that some areas of resistance still persist. Lessons learned from the intervention will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Family Planning, Behavior Modification
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.