IEC Materials Research Articles

Pretesting of Printed Information, Education and Communication Materials among Diabetic Patients who are (30 to 80) Years Old in South Kolkata, at Ward no 144, West Bengal

Background: In India, the (IEC) Information, Education & Communication strategy is designed to enhance public awareness and disseminate crucial information about the various benefits offered under the different schemes and programs initiated by the Ministry. This strategy plays a pivotal role in guiding citizens on effectively accessing these benefits, ensuring that the intended population is well-informed and empowered to take advantage of the available resources. A brief study was conducted to pretest the IEC material related to Diabetes Mellitus in a specific ward in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Following this, we will evaluate and analyse the IEC material.  Methods: A locality‐based cross‐sectional mix method study was conducted in south Kolkata ward no 144, West Bengal from 10/05/2024 to 31/05/2024.A predesigned pretested semi‐structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative and qualitative variables. Data were collected through personal face-to-face interviews using Epi‐Collect 5 and analysed using EXCEL and SPSS.  Result: Out of 20 study participants, Cent per cent(20) of study participants voted that the IEC material is attractive. The brochure is interesting enough to attract and hold the attention of the target audience, participants like it. several messages attract the most attention. 95%(19)clearly understand, almost comprehensible. Cent per cent(20) of participants accepted that IEC material is not offensive/inappropriate for the individuals or community. The brochure is perceived by individuals in the target audience. They feel that the brochure is made for themselves or made for those who are suffering from diabetic mellitus. Cent per cent(20) of the IEC material is relevant. Cent per cent(20) target audience opined that call to action regarding pretesting IEC material. The target audience is those suffering from diabetic mellitus and complications. Cent per cent(20) of the brochure can convince the study participants to undertake the desired behaviour.25%(5) target audience opined that brochures regarding diabetic mellitus should be improved.  Conclusion: In this short study, we discovered that the use of (Brochure)IEC materials was affected by a variety of factors. Therefore, essential to focus on these IEC materials and strive for enhancements in their quality. Improving the quality of brochures can lead to better comprehension and engagement among the target audience. By addressing the many specific qualitative variables that influence their effectiveness, we can ensure that these materials serve their intended purpose more effectively. This will not only facilitate better communication but also promote a deeper understanding of the information being conveyed. This brochure(IEC) material could be implemented after the improvement of quality in Kolkata 144 no ward, West Bengal.

Monitoring experience of World Health Organization external monitor for Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 vaccine drive in rural Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu

The Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) aimed to extend routine immunization services across India, with a focus on children up to 5 years old. Key objectives included boosting measles and rubella vaccination coverage. By September 30, 2023, over 34.6 million children and 6.5 million pregnant women had received vaccine doses nationally. The Surveillance Medical Officer (SMO) from WHO designated external monitors to oversee session sites and perform house-to-house monitoring. Monitoring took place from October 12-14, 2023, in three health blocks of Cuddalore District. Activities included observing two session sites per day (six total) and surveying 40 households per day (120 total). Separate checklists were provided for session site monitoring and house-to-house monitoring, as per WHO guidelines. All session sites adhered to the scheduled times and locations, with proper logistics. However, some lacked IEC materials for public awareness. House-to-house monitoring confirmed full vaccination coverage for under-five children, with no missed vaccinations identified. Recommendations were made to ANMs to have IEC material to enhance community participation. Monitoring of IMI 5.0 in Cuddalore District demonstrated strong adherence to guidelines and effective vaccination session implementation. House-to-house monitoring confirmed appropriate vaccination of under-five children, indicating successful outreach. Overall, this experience provided valuable insights into operational challenges and opportunities for improvement in future immunization campaigns.

Nurse Counseling versus IEC Material on Maintenance of Healthy Lifestyle for Outpatients Receiving Antipsychotics: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: A healthy lifestyle is important for recovery, coping with life’s stresses, minimizing the occurrence and impact of health issues, and improving quality of life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help in preventing or delaying the onset of many health problems. Methods: A quantitative research approach with a randomized control trial (RCT) was adopted. 130 outpatients were randomized to experimental and control groups. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 28.8 and R software. Results: Waist circumference (WC) significantly differed between the experimental group and the control group (F = 14.87, P < .001). There was a decreasing trend in weight in the experimental group across the three time points (baseline to the second assessment), as compared to the control group (F = 4.29, P = .01). Quality of health of the subjects as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) of the Euro Quality Of Life (EQ5D) significantly differed (F = 87.47, P < .001). Post-intervention, the percentage showed marked improvement in the experimental group. Conclusion: The results of this study support that counseling about a healthy lifestyle is effective as long-term strategies to avoid weight gain, engagement in adequate physical activity, taking nutritious food and maintaining healthy sleep can, in the long run, prevent metabolic syndrome. These interventions can be delivered at a low cost, are safer and practically feasible and may have a long-term impact on the quality of life.

The role of community mobilization in people’s healthcare-seeking behavior during the COVID-19 vaccination journey: select case studies from Madhya Pradesh

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of community mobilization initiatives on citizens’ health-seeking behavior through the lens of COVID-19 vaccination in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. This study follows a case study approach to understand community mobilization initiatives that led to increased COVID-19 vaccination uptake. The study delineates the process to increase community mobilization to improve the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. It highlights the key components of community mobilization that were adopted: the involvement of local leadership (at district, block, and village level), support of vaccination/mobilizer team, the role of in-person communication, involvement of influential community heads and social workers, localized strategies and IEC materials, and support from the state administration. Additionally, the key communication themes that played a crucial role in increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage are identified. The findings of this study will help the policymakers and practitioners in the domains of Health and Medical Humanities, Health Policy and Services, and Social Sciences to clarify the roles of community mobilization activities and initiatives in increasing vaccination coverage. Furthermore, the study provides evidence for the adaptation, integration, and enhancement of these activities based on the four case studies discussed.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Vaccination as Perceived By Rural Residents in Surigao City

This descriptive quantitative research assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs on vaccination among the residents within the rurality of Barangay Rizal, Surigao City. The study used a validated researcher-made survey questionnaire that was also tested for reliability to ascertain the intended quantitative data. The respondents were selected through the purposive and quota sampling technique considering 100 maximum rural residents as respondents of the study. The frequency count and percentage revealed that most of the respondents were 18-24 years old, mostly female, mostly single, had achieved college level, and earning less than 9,100 pesos. Frequency Count, Mean, and Standard Deviation also revealed that most of the rural residents are less knowledgeable and have moderate levels of attitudes and beliefs about vaccination. The Analysis of Variance (AnOVa) and Pearson r revealed no significant associations between the residents’ profiles and the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccination. Likewise, there was also no association and relationships between knowledge and attitudes and between attitudes and beliefs. Notably, there was a relationship between the residents’ knowledge and beliefs about vaccination. The study provided a broad overview of rural residents’ sentiments towards vaccination as well. It’s crucial to educate residents about the vaccine development process to address their concerns. They are cautious by observing the side effects of the vaccines before getting vaccinated. Barangay Health Workers should conduct stronger orientations or symposiums for the rural residents. Proper health education should be disseminated among these people through seminars or symposiums. Lastly, the staff or nurses of the rural health centers must provide accurate information and strengthen any advertisements or IEC materials for the wide dissemination of information. By providing brochures to provide clear and accurate information about vaccines.

Assessing the Influence of Behavioural Factors of Community Health Promoters on Use of Community Based Health Information Systems in Selected Counties, Kenya

Globally, health management information systems (HMIS) in strengthening health systems have gained recognition due to potential of technology to improve access to quality care in underserved communities. In Kenya, the functionality of Community based- Health Management Information System (CBHMIS) currently stands at 55% down from 64% in year 2015. The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of behavioral factors of community units personnel on CBHMIS. As a nested study, with a broader aimt to establish the operational status of CBHMIS and its use in selected counties in Kenya; The main objective of this research was: To establish whether behavioural factors of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) influence CBHMIS use in Kenya. A mixed method design. was adopted, Kiambu, Kajiado and Nairobi counties formed the study location, a target population of 156 active community units was considered to arrive at a total sample of 122 community units and out of 7800CHPs a sample of 366 respondents was drawn. Multistage sampling was used to identify the CUs, and systematic random sampling to identify 366 respondents. Quantitative data tools were semi-structured closed ended questionnaires. Qualitative data tools included observation checklist, Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS to generate univariate and bivariate analysis at p<0.05 significance level; Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis based on key themes generated from the objectives. Results were presented in form of graphs, tables, figures, and narration. This study showed that the use of Community based- Health Management Information System stood at 56.6%. Behavioural factors were found to significantly influence use of Community based- Health Management Information System. Further, of the total variations in the use of Community based- Health Management Information System, behavioral factor explains 13.7% (R<sup>2</sup> = .137). Results show that the model was valid (F<sub>(1, 363)</sub> = 58.579, <I>P </I>= .001) hence the explanatory variable (X<sub>2</sub>, Behavioral factors) is good in explaining total variations in Use of CbHMIS by community units. This implies that the use of CbHMIS by Community Units (CU) improves significantly when the community units have better behavioural factors. In conclusion, behavioural factors of CHPs have strong and significant influence on the CBHMIS use. Motivation of CHPs is key as a motivator to CBHMIS use, as well as. provision of material support including reporting tools and IEC materials and capacity development technical, computer and electronic reporting skills to enhamce CHP operations and processes.

IJCM_40A: Process Evaluation of Routine Immunization in post pandemic period in districts of Assam

Background: Globally, immunization faced disruption in 2020, for COVID19. DPT3 coverage fell from 91% (2019) to 85% (2020) in India. Assam reports 67% coverage. Reasons were fear of contracting covid, challenges in community mobilisation, transportation restrictions, deployment to covid duty. Overburdened HCP were under stress affecting service. Capacity building gap was also associated with vaccine hesitancy. Objective: Process evaluation of routine immunization in post pandemic period in Assam. Methodology: The supportive supervision data generated from 1.04.2022 to 30.03.2023 covering all 33 districts of Assam about using MOHFW M&S tool. Data was analysed and descriptive statistics used. Results: Microplan was followed for service provision by 97.4% ASHA and 61.4% AWW. No IEC material displayed in 12.2% sites. Headcount survey data available in 88.9% sites. In 93.5% sessions, updated due list was found. Key messages were given in 84.9% of sites following immunization. Blank MCP/RI card was present in 75.1% sites. Hubcutter was not found in 4.1% sites. Other logistics available were; paracetamol 94%, Vitamin A 88%, spoon for Vitamin A 86.1%, red and black bag 85.5%, ORS 86.9%, and zinc 75.8%. Anaphylaxis kit available in 92% of which 83.5% were within expiry date. Handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer was practiced in 81.6% of sessions. Conclusion: Availability of logistics, manpower as per microplan, capacity building and effective communication needed for further improving the vaccination coverage.

Family planning service availability and readiness assessment of primary health care facilities in Delta State, Nigeria: a mixed methods survey

BackgroundThe availability of contraceptives, family planning guidelines, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials can increase access to family planning services. This study assessed the availability of commodities and readiness of primary health care (PHC) facilities in Delta State to offer family planning services.MethodsA cross-sectional design with an explanatory mixed-method approach was used i.e., the authors first collected the quantitative data, and after preliminary analysis of quantitative information, the qualitative approach was utilised to gather data on the perspectives of 32 PHC facility managers and 6 reproductive health supervisors on factors affecting family planning service availability and readiness.ResultsTwenty-one (65.6%) of the PHC facilities surveyed offered at least five modern methods of family planning. Stock-outs of emergency contraceptives, implants, intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), oral contraceptive pills (OCP), condoms, and injectables were observed in 31 (96.9%), 17 (53.1%), 13 (40.6%), 4 (12.5%), 2 (6.3%), and 1 (3.1%) of the facilities respectively. Eleven (34.4%) and 8 (25.0%) of the facilities had IEC materials and family planning guidelines, and contraceptive commodity checklists respectively. Seventeen (53.1%) of the facilities did not have complete records of family planning activities.ConclusionThis study shows that a significant proportion of PHC facilities had stock-outs of contraceptive commodities, no complete records of contraceptive activities, no IEC materials and no family planning checklists. Continuous training of health providers and increased government commitment can help to improve contraceptive services.

Educational interventions targeting pregnant women to optimise the use of caesarean section: What are the essential elements? A qualitative comparative analysis

BackgroundCaesarean section (CS) rates are increasing globally, posing risks to women and babies. To reduce CS, educational interventions targeting pregnant women have been implemented globally, however, their effectiveness is varied. To optimise benefits of these interventions, it is important to understand which intervention components influence success. In this study, we aimed to identify essential intervention components that lead to successful implementation of interventions focusing on pregnant women to optimise CS use.MethodsWe re-analysed existing systematic reviews that were used to develop and update WHO guidelines on non-clinical interventions to optimise CS. To identify if certain combinations of intervention components (e.g., how the intervention was delivered, and contextual characteristics) are associated with successful implementation, we conducted a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). We defined successful interventions as interventions that were able to reduce CS rates. We included 36 papers, comprising 17 CS intervention studies and an additional 19 sibling studies (e.g., secondary analyses, process evaluations) reporting on these interventions to identify intervention components. We conducted QCA in six stages: 1) Identifying conditions and calibrating the data; 2) Constructing truth tables, 3) Checking quality of truth tables; 4) Identifying parsimonious configurations through Boolean minimization; 5) Checking quality of the solution; 6) Interpretation of solutions. We used existing published qualitative evidence synthesis to develop potential theories driving intervention success.ResultsWe found successful interventions were those that leveraged social or peer support through group-based intervention delivery, provided communication materials to women, encouraged emotional support by partner or family participation, and gave women opportunities to interact with health providers. Unsuccessful interventions were characterised by the absence of at least two of these components.ConclusionWe identified four key essential intervention components which can lead to successful interventions targeting women to reduce CS. These four components are 1) group-based delivery, 2) provision of IEC materials, 3) partner or family member involvement, and 4) opportunity for women to interact with health providers. Maternal health services and hospitals aiming to better prepare women for vaginal birth and reduce CS can consider including the identified components to optimise health and well-being benefits for the woman and baby.

Implementation Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Service at Public Health Facilities of Akaki Kality Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is widely acknowledged globally as an effective method for preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. It allows people to understand their HIV status, make informed choices about getting tested for it, evaluate their personal risk of contracting HIV, and create plans to reduce that risk. The study aimed to evaluate the process of VCT services in public health facilities of Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A case study evaluation design with a mixed method was employed from May 12 to June 12, 2021. A total of 244 clients were interviewed during the study period. Furthermore, 12 direct observations, a review of documents from the past six months to the study period, and 12 key informant interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were entered into Epi data 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Univariate analysis was done and presented in tables and texts. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The overall service implementation process was measured on the basis of pre-determined judgmental criteria. The overall level of VCT service implementation was 83.84%, to which the availability of resources (84.8%), compliance of service providers with the national guidelines (85.38%), and client satisfaction (76.93%) contributed. One facility had stock-outs of test kits in the last three months, and all VCT counseling and testing rooms lacked audio-visual privacy. Supportive supervision, the use of IEC materials during counseling, linking all HIV-positive clients to treatment and care services, and sending complete reports were practiced in a way that needs some improvement. Overall, the service implementation was deemed satisfactory, but further action is required to improve resource availability, ensure provider compliance with national guidelines, and enhance the status of the service. In addition, the Woreda Health Office and Addis Abeba Health Bureau should regularly supervise and provide feedback.

Effectiveness of health promotion intervention on the knowledge and selected practices related with oral cancer among a group of vulnerable youth in Sri Lanka

BackgroundThere has been a noticeable trend of younger people being diagnosed with oral cancer, particularly among those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Poor knowledge on risk factors toward oral cancer and the growing fashion of using tobacco also identified among younger generation. Present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention to improve the knowledge and encourage positive practices associated with oral cancer among a group of vulnerable youth in Sri Lanka.MethodsThe study was a community based quasi experimental study, conducted in urban slums in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sample size for one group was 120 youth participants aged between 15 and 24 years. Health promotion intervention was implemented to the intervention group and follow up period was 6 months. The control group did not receive the intervention. Awareness of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders, tobacco chewing practice (betel quid chewing and commercially prepared tobacco and areca nut packet (CPTAP) chewing) and self-mouth examination practice were assessed at the beginning and after 6 months in both groups using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Changes in the knowledge, self-mouth examination practice, quit rate and fresh up take rate were computed to determine the effectiveness.ResultsThere was no loss to follow up. No significant difference was observed between the groups in pre intervention assessment regarding the knowledge, tobacco chewing and self-mouth examination practices. Knowledge score was significantly differed between the groups P = 0.000 in the post intervention assessment as well as among females P = 0.001. Quit rate of the tobacco chewing practice, betel chewing practice and CPTAP chewing practice among intervention group was 33%, 70%, and 13% respectively while control group did not have any quitters, P = 0.001. Fresh up take rate of tobacco chewing in the intervention group was 6.7% compared to the 37.5% in the control group, P = 0.001. Practicing self-mouth examination was significantly higher in intervention group in post intervention assessment, P = 0.000.ConclusionMulticomponent health promotion intervention (Advocacy, Interactive discussions, IEC materials and Community mobilization) was significantly effective in enhancing the knowledge, increasing self-mouth examination practice, and reducing tobacco chewing practice among a vulnerable group of youth in Sri Lanka.

Barriers to and facilitators of prostate cancer screening among men in Uganda prisons: Findings from a survey of 2565 prisoners.

e18637 Background: Studies have shown that prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing at a rate of 5.2% per annum and as few as 5% of men have ever screened for PCa in Uganda. The situation may be worse among male prisoners given their vulnerability status. The study aimed to examine the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of men in Uganda Prisons regarding barriers to and facilitators of PCa screening. This would enable the identification of potential interventional strategies to promote PCa screening among men in Uganda prisons. Methods: In May 2022, we conducted 20 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Results: The belief that all cancers have no cure was one barrier that inhibited most participants not to consider screening as of any value, coupled with fear of being told that one is positive and the stress that comes with it. Participants revealed that they would rather live without getting to know the unknown. In addition, lack of knowledge on prostate cancer and lack of Pca screening services in prisons were perceived as barriers to PCa screening in prison settings. Overall, qualitatively, the interventional strategies that men in Uganda prisons believed could help health care providers promote and increase PCa screening were; using the prison peer educators, working with the UPS to train & equip Prison HCs to screen for PCa, conducting outreach from the cancer hospital, Ministry of Health to work with the UPS authority to establish system for prostate cancer screening in prisons, using health workers within prisons, using the regional prisons health centers to establish prostate cancer screening in prisons, using IEC materials such as posters, and conducting group health education sessions. Conclusions: Culturally-relevant interventions are needed to address the barriers to prostate cancer screening among men in the Ugandan prisons focusing at the entire prison health system.

Sexuality, Relationships and Factors Leading to Teenage Pregnancy among Students in Glan – Padidu National High School

This study aimed to find out the context of sexuality, relationships and factors leading to teenage pregnancy among students of Glan – Padidu National High School. The researcher used descriptive-quantitative research design. The respondents of the study were nine (9) students who were identified using purposive random sampling method. The data showed that respondents’ parents were mostly elementary level, earning P5,000 below monthly and most were self – employed. As to context of sexuality and relationships, most of the respondents engaged in sex when they were 14 – 16 years old, with partners 20 years old and above. Because of physical attraction, expression of love, and curiosity they engaged in such activity. Various factors lead students to get involve in premarital sex. Home factors such as parents lack of supervision; environmental factor such as TV show, movies and peer pressure; and emotional factor such as to satisfy the sexual needs. With this, it is recommended to create an effective program such as parental seminar, no to teenage pregnancy campaign, true love waits seminar and development of an IEC material to at least lessen the growth of statistics if not totally eliminate pre – marital sex among students at a very early stage.

Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCS) in India and their compliance with government benchmarks: A scoping review

Background: Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) are one of the critical pillars of India’s Adolescent Health Programme-Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. The goal is to empower all adolescents to make informed decisions about their health and to access health services, allowing them to fully reach their potential. A review was conceptualised to assess the compliance of AFHCs with the benchmark proposed by the Government under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published between 2014 and 2022. A snowball search strategy was also used to retrieve all published articles. Based on the search strategy eight studies were included. Results: Evidence from the primary studies showed that the benchmarks need attention as privacy was lacking (six out of seven studies), unavailability of IEC material (four out of five), signages (two out of four), referrals (one out of two), and judgemental attitude of health care provider (one out of 3). Conclusions: It is crucial to address the existing gaps in order to make the clinics adolescent-friendly, as this could lead to increase utilization of services available in AFHCs and an overall improvement in their health, education, and employment. The improved health will catalyse achieving the Sustainable Development Goals indicators related to nutrition, reproductive health, sexual and intimate partner violence, child marriage, education, and employment.

CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF COVID 19 CONVALESCENT PLASMA (COPLA) DONOR CHARACTERISTICS

Background: Although many trials are currently investigating the safety and efcacy of convalescent plasma (CP) in critically ill COVID-19 patients, there is a paucity of ongoing and published studies evaluating the CP donors' side. In this regard, this study was aimed to nd out how SARS-CoV2 IgG antibodies are inuenced by demographic and clinical characteristics of donors such as age, sex, ABO/Rh blood group, disease severity, post recovery duration, ethnicity. After approval from the IEC Material & Methods: and consent from the study participants, the study was performed in Department of Pathology and Blood Bank of Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute, Indore (M.P) on a total of 785 COVID-19 recovered patients. A total Results: of 785 COVID-19 recovered patients were telephonically contacted for COPLA donation, out of which 103 donor candidates refused for the plasma donation while 82 donors were deferred by blood bank authorities for convalescent plasma donation. 600 donors successfully donated convalescent plasma in the present study. The most common reason for refusal of COPLA donation by the donors was Fear of reinfection (26.2%) followed by diabetes mellitus on insulin (16.5%). Whereas low antibody titre (53.7%) was the most common reason for COVID- 19 COPLA donor deferral in the present study. Majority were in age group 26-35 with higher prevalence of males. Donors' age and COVID-19 severity were positively associated with greater antibody responses. The awareness of CP donor characteristics, post-screening deferrals, and c Conclusion: orrelates of antibody values with age, gender, body weight, severity of COVID-19 disease and blood groups will help improve collection outcomes and give better preparedness for future recurrent waves due to evolution of more virulent SARS-CoV-2 strains and ll treatment gap till availability of more specic treatment.

Contribution of community champions to accelerate the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in Rukwa region, Tanzania, February - October 2022.

Tanzania is among the African countries which started COVID-19 vaccination late (August 2021) compared to other countries in the African continent. By mid-March 2022, overall vaccine uptake was 13% of the targeted population, which was very low compared to other countries. We describe the contribution of champions in the Rukwa region that led to an increase in vaccine coverage rate in Tanzania. a community-based campaign was conducted using community champions from July 15th to August 31st, 2022. A baseline assessment was conducted focusing on the key drivers, barriers, and enablers for COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the region. A working session to develop IEC materials and messages tailored to addressing the issues raised in the community to be used in the campaign in the region was conducted, followed by the campaign's launch. Community engagement and sensitizations, which contributed to the rise of vaccinated people, were based on house-to-house visits, village meetings, and visiting community gatherings such as marketplaces, places of worship, and sports areas, which were done by champions alongside vaccinators. the campaign contributed to the increase of vaccination coverage because, before the start of the campaign, the vaccination coverage was 10% as of July 14th, 2022. After the campaign, which started on July 15th to August 31st, 2022, the coverage increased by 12%. During the post-evaluation exercise after the campaign, the coverage keeps increased and reached 94% by October 2022. The coverage kept increasing even after the intervention's end due to the campaign's positive effect. the community still needs correct information to avoid misinformation and hesitancy, especially when introducing new disease response mechanisms such as vaccines. The community champions who are based in the community play a critical role in addressing community concerns and contribute to the effectiveness of the implementation; hence sustainability is crucial.

English

Effectiveness and compliance to intervention measures that mitigate the spread of COVID-19 has heavily relied on awareness and willingness of the public to adhere to directives. In this study, Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) interventions in response to COVID-19 are analyzed with the aim of identifying opportunities and gaps that can inform ongoing and future efforts. The study focuses on a BCC campaign rolled out between June and October 2020 in select coastal counties of Kenya by the Ministry of Health. The aim is to establish the communication activities undertaken in the campaign as well as analyse the messaging. The study employs a qualitative approach whereby the campaign materials and related documents are subjected to content analysis. Data gathered shows that several key activities were undertaken before, during and after the campaign. Further, the campaign messaging created awareness instructed and persuaded. The analysis concludes that the dissemination of the IEC materials was largely successful. However, within the scope of this study, the impact of the campaign in improving adherence to COVID-19 protection measures and ultimately reduced positive cases cannot be ascertained.   Key words: Behaviour change communication, campaign, case study, content analysis, Covid-19 infection, ministry of health.

Ethnomedicinal Study of Plants in Ilocos Sur

The documentation of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants provides information on wider local use and future pharmaceutical applications. This study documented the ethnomedicinal uses of plants in selected communities in the first district of Ilocos Sur. Through surveys and interviews, 192 respondents aged 16 and above were asked to identify ethnomedicinal plants and their ethnomedicinal practices. A total of 66 ethnomedicinal plants were documented and used to treat 22 human ailments/diseases. The most widely employed mode of preparation is decoction and the most frequently employed mode of administration was the conventional way, followed by ethno-modern; and ethnomagico-religious. The age, education, and source of ethnomedicinal information of respondents significantly correlate with their ethnomedicinal practices. The study demonstrates that the selected communities of District 1, Ilocos Sur have a wide variety of plant species of medicinal significance. As evidenced by the respondents' source of ethnomedical information, their indigenous practice on the production and use of herbal medicine is still vast and diversified and is passed down through generations. Some of the plants on the list have already undergone testing for pharmaceutical applications and received recognition for their therapeutic advantages. The other plants on the list still have therapeutic potential that can be investigated. The findings can also be used as a basis for the creation of IEC materials on ethnomedicinal plants.

Assessment of tobacco cessation activities in the dental settings- A short survey study of 114 responses

A questionnaire survey designed for a population study to assess the tobacco cessation activities carried out in a dental setting.1) To assess the approach followed by dental doctors toward tobacco cessation activities in the dental setting. 2) To understand the barriers (if any) faced by the dentists in conducting tobacco cessation activities. To achieve the aforementioned objectives, a cross-sectional research study was designed to gather information on the approach toward tobacco cessation in a dental setting. This questionnaire was further circulated through diverse WhatsApp groups and through posts on social media sites to obtain responses. Although screening for tobacco-related habits in a dental setting is crucial, only around 40% of the survey respondents reported having “always” (5 out of 5 cases) screened for tobacco-related habits. Nearly 49% of the survey respondent, lacked basic tobacco-related IEC material like banners, posters, demonstration videos, or help books required for patient sensitization. About 64% of respondents reported that they had never attended any tobacco cessation workshops while around 85% of respondents were willing to attend tobacco cessation workshops in near future. The article highlights the role of dentists in the screening of tobacco-related habits. It emphasizes the need for improved IEC/BCC activities to curb the tobacco pandemic. Catering to training needs and sensitization of the dental workforce for effective management of tobacco cases is also being pinpointed. The development of exclusive guidelines or templates for screening forms a major crux of the study.

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan Dengan Penerimaan KIE Kesehatan Reproduksi dan Seksual Bagi Calon Pengantin

Knowledge and attitudes of bride and groom are still lack toward reproductive health. Research in Pemalang (2019), 70% of respondents have low knowledge and 30% of respondents with attitudes do not support reproductive health. This is influenced by acceptance of an object. The implementation of pre marital counseling is a solution to this problem with the aim bridge increase their knowledge and attitudes about sexual reproductive health. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between sociodemography, knowledge, attitudes and income with the acceptance of pre marital counseling. The research with a cross sectional design. 87 respondents taken by cluster sampling. Data analysis was univariate, bivariate using Chi Square test and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results showed 85.1% of respondents were of the right age, 50.6% were male, 54% had secondary education and 88.5% were employed. Most of the material in pre marital counseling has not been received optimally by the respondents. There is a significant relationship between knowledge (0.000) and attitude (0.007) with acceptance of IEC material. The result of multivariate analysis of knowledge is the main predictor for it (p=0.001, Exp 0.187) with a correlation strength of 30.8%. Conclusion is recommended that good knowledge about sexual reproductive health supports the acceptance of pre marital counseling. It means a supporting structure for the implementation program is needed by taking the capabilities facilitator, methods and media used.