The Role of Participatory Communication in Tracking Unreported Reproductive Tract Issues in Marginalized Communities

Abstract

Vertical models of communication and information transfer have the tenacity to be static and have proven ineffective to reach those living in the lower socioeconomic group of the society. In this context, a fluid model that emphasizes participation and communicative action is more meaningful for information sharing and knowledge gathering. The study proposes the informate–communicate–educate framework to serve as a guide for developing Information and Communication Technologies applications and mHealth solutions. Based on this framework, an mHealth application (K-unit Health Information Dashboard (KHID)) is developed to facilitate the reporting and tracking of reproductive health issues among women living in marginalized communities in the State of Kerala, India. Through a participatory process that uses the horizontal model of communication, the paper demonstrates how the KHID application enables knowledge sharing, and disease surveillance to address reproductive health issues.