Information , Education And Communication Research Articles

Role of Information, Education, Communication and Training in Disaster Management

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) are of vital significance for disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation. It promotes an alert community which is sine -qua non for any successful activity. IEC are the essential constituents of any programme especially in a disaster related scenario. IEC requires the administrative machinery, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-based Organizations (CBOs), other agencies and the community to be prompt, active and well informed to carry out the activities confidently. Hence IEC should be given top priority in any disaster management programme. Creation of awareness is an integral part of the process of social development, communication has the power to liberate the minds and potential of people. Critical awareness is needed in every field linked to human development. The generation of an alert public will hinge on effective communication of information and ideas that relate to people’s needs, aspirations and capacities. In this sense, getting the: development process initiated is largely the task of information, education and communication. This research paper attempt to study the nature and significance of IEC and training, and the concept of community awareness. The important components and strategies of IEC and training shall also be focused.

Reasons and extent of delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis after the appearance of symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective: Delay in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is a significant problem at both individual and community levels. Delayed diagnosis of TB contributes to more severe disease manifestations, higher risk of death, and higher disease transmission in the community. We conducted this study to assess the extent and associated reasons for delay in diagnosis of pulmonary TB. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of TB and Respiratory Diseases, J. N. Medical College, Aligarh, from June 2020 to May 2022. A total of 2053 new pulmonary TB patients, who first consulted any private healthcare provider (HCP) for treatment, were enrolled in the study. The required information was collected by interview technique using a predesigned questionnaire. Results: A total of 2053 patients were enrolled in the study. There was a significant delay of more than 2 weeks in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB after the onset of symptoms in 94% of patients. The extent of delay ranged from 8 days to 240 days with a mean of 36.33 days. The delay in visiting the HCPs by the patient was not significant. Only 5.85% of patients had a significant delay of more than 2 weeks in seeking any health care after the appearance of symptoms. A delay by HCP contributed to a greater portion of the total delay, with a mean of 31.77 days. The main reason for the delay by HCPs was not investigating TB. The hospital delay was not significant. The mean hospital delay was 5.82 days. Conclusion: The delay in the diagnosis of TB in India is very high. A delay by HCPs contributes to a greater portion of the total delay. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities will play an important role in reducing the delay. All HCPs should be actively involved in subjecting the suspects to TB diagnosis at the earliest possible as per National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) guidelines.

Evaluation of the Coverage of Iron Requirements in Young Children Aged 6 to 59 Months from Basic Foods in Two Localities in North Togo: Awandjelo and Lama (Kara)

Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in the world. It affects almost 60% of the population in developing countries, i.e. 3.5 billion people. Women of childbearing age and young children are the most vulnerable. Iron deficiency occurs when the intake and absorption of iron cannot compensate physiological needs, which are particularly high in young children because of their growth. Due to its impact on children's health, iron deficiency remains a major public health problem in Togo, with 70% of children aged between 6 and 59 months suffering from anaemia. In the face of this problem, the present study aims to establish the adequacy between dietary iron intake and physiological needs in order to contribute to strategies for handling this nutritional deficiency. To achieve this, 479 children (243 urban and 236 rural) aged 6-59 months from 447 households were the subject of this study. Food consumption was assessed using the 24-hour recall method; the nutritional value of the rations was assessed using the food composition table available in Africa. The results showed that 62% of the children studied had dietary iron intakes below the recommended levels and only 38% were able to cover their iron requirements. In fact, the mother's level of school education and the mother's economic activity were found to be strongly correlated with iron status in children. In the light of these data, it would seem wise to consider better nutritional intervention strategies, including nutritional education for women of childbearing age. The introduction of nutritional counselling through Information, Education and Communication (IEC), mobilisation and social marketing campaigns should therefore be promoted.

Online training needs assessment (TNA) among Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs) in the Philippines

Introduction: A training needs assessment (TNA) was conducted by the Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) to design appropriate and relevant trainings for Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs). In the Philippines, MNAO is a nutrition officer who serves at the municipal level and is tasked to ensure the localisation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) in Local Government Units (LGU) to ensure proper implementation of activities on Public Health Nutrition (PHN). Methods: A total of 162 MNAOs in the country answered the online TNA survey conducted from April to May 2023. Results: Based on the results of the TNA survey, there was a need for DOST-FNRI to design and conduct trainings related to the top three core competencies identified by MNAOs: Creating policies and standards related to food and nutrition; advocating legislation, regulation, and nutrition policies; and designing appropriate nutrition information education and communication (IEC) materials. Conclusion: Based on the study results, it is recommended that LGUs allocate funds for capacity building of the public health workforce to create a skilled workforce in the community that will coordinate the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nutrition plans at the municipal level. For future consideration, curriculum design for professional development in public health nutrition should include core competencies on food and nutrition policy programme, nutrition programme management, and IEC development.

Prevalence, Reach of Anti-smokeless Tobacco Messages and Quit Attempts by Product Type: A Secondary Data Analysis from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS - 2016-17).

India has the highest number of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products available in different forms, consumed in various ways. The current study aimed to understand the pattern of daily SLT use according to different product categories and whether Quit intention and Quit attempts vary by SLT type and exposure to media messages. Data from Global Adult Tobacco Surveys (GATS), 2016-17, was used to find access to media messages and warning labels by SLT type. Quit attempt and Quit intention were calculated for each of the SLT types. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify whether access to media messages, warning labels influenced, quit intention and attempts vary by SLT type. Khaini or tobacco lime mixture was the most common SLT type consumed by 37% of SLT users, whereas SLT users consuming more than one product accounted for 23% of SLT users. Exposure to media messages and warning labels was high among Gutkha/ paan masala tobacco users (74.7% and 81.2%) and low among oral tobacco (Mishri, Gul, Gudakhu) users (56.1% and 60.0%). Quit attempts and quit intention were high among Gutkha/ paan masala tobacco users (38.3% and 22.3%) and low among oral tobacco (Mishri, Gul, Gudakhu) users (25.3% and 13.6%). Users of Oral tobacco and khaini or tobacco-lime mixture were significantly less likely to attempt quitting (AOR 0.806(95%CI: 0.676-0.962), 0.839(95%CI: 0.736-0.956), and have quit intention (AOR 0.681(95%CI: 0.702-0.976), 0.733(95%CI: 0.627-0.857) compared to Gutkha/ paan masala with tobacco users. The reach of media messages and warning labels varies by SLT type. Quit intention and attempts vary by SLT type and access to media messages and warning labels. There is a need to re-strategise the tobacco control Information, Education and Communication (IEC) to reach out with effective messaging to the most unreached.

Harmony in Hydroinformatics: Integrating AI and IEC for sustainable groundwater conservation in Solapur

This research investigates the synergistic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and Information Education and Communication (IEC) in the context of groundwater conservation for Solapur, a region participating in the Atal Bhujal Yojana. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of integrating AI technologies with community-centric education strategies to enhance water management practices. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of the Atal Bhujal Yojana, exploration of AI applications in global water management, and the formulation of strategies for AI-IEC integration. Key findings highlight the pivotal role of community engagement, the diverse applications of AI in water management, and the significance of IEC in shaping sustainable behaviors. Challenges and solutions, case studies, and future prospects are examined to provide a comprehensive overview. The implications of this research extend to the development of resilient water ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts and forward-thinking solutions. This interdisciplinary approach positions Solapur as a model for effective groundwater conservation, leveraging technological advancements and community participation for a water-secure future.

Compliance of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics with National and International Standards: Quantitative findings from the i-Saathiya study

ObjectiveIndian adolescents experience several health challenges requiring acceptable, equitable, appropriate and effective healthcare services. Our objective was to assess the compliance of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) in two of...

COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges of Migrants and Vulnerable Population: Learnings for Future Epidemic Preparedness

Abstract Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown, the migrant workers faced prejudice, fear and social exclusion, amongst other difficulties. Materials and Methods: Stratified random sampling was utilised to recruit 433 participants from an outpatient department screening clinic. Fear and knowledge of COVID-19 were measured with the Likert scale scores. The data were analysed using the Chi-square tests and logistic regression. P < 0.05 consirdered statistically significant. Results: Only 12.2% of participants possessed effective COVID-19 prevention knowledge. Working Professionals possessed superior knowledge to unskilled workers. Low knowledge scores and manual labour were associated with fear of COVID-19. For fear, the odds ratio (OR) was 5.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.35–11.51) and the adjusted OR (aOR) was 6. 8, 95% CI (2.7–17.2), P < 0.00. Discussion: Low levels of COVID-19 preventive knowledge indicate that the government’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign was ineffective. This could be because the campaign did not reach enough individuals, or because the information was ambiguous. As a consequence, COVID-19 prevention myths and false information circulated, making it challenging for people to protect themselves. Conclusion: The targeted and efficient IEC campaigns are required to tackle infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics. Public health specialists as well as clinicians should be trained in these efforts.

Effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30C in Prevention of Dengue Fever and Acute Febrile Illness during 2017 Dengue Outbreak in Urban Slums of Delhi: A Prospective, Open-Label, Community-Based, Parallel Cohort Study

Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum (EP) 30C on the incidence of dengue fever and acute febrile illness (AFI) during the 2017 dengue outbreak. Methods: We conducted a prospective, open-label, community-based parallel cohort study involving apparently healthy individuals residing in 06 urban slums (JJ colony) of Delhi. The participants were enrolled in two cohorts – the medicine cohort (MC) and the control cohort (CC). Participants in MC were given weekly one dose of EP 30C for 10 weeks along with Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material regarding dengue. Participants in the CC were provided with the IEC material only. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of dengue fever as per case definitions notified in the national guidelines for clinical management of dengue fever by the Government of India during the 10 weeks follow-up period. The secondary outcome measures were the incidence of AFI and the hospitalization of confirmed dengue cases. Results: The analysis included 40,769 participants residing in 06 slum clusters of Delhi out of which 28,321 participants were in MC and 12,448 participants were in CC. The incidence of laboratory-confirmed dengue in the MC was 2.57 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–3.22) in comparison with 7.55 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% CI, 6.12–9.21) in the CC. The incidence of AFI in the MC was 19.66 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% CI, 18.07–21.36) in comparison with 40.96 per 10,000 person-weeks (95% CI, 37.48–44.67) in the CC. The overall protective effect of EP against laboratory-confirmed dengue was 65.77% (95% CI, 53.37–74.87; p = 0.0001) and against AFI was 52.58% (95% CI, 46.37–58.07; p = 0.0001). Hospitalization reported in the MC was nil as against 4.35% in the CC. No dengue-related case fatalities were reported from either cohort. None of the participants from the MC reported any adverse events owing to the prophylactic intervention. Conclusion: The study concludes that EP 30C was able to prevent dengue significantly. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm or refute our findings.

Knowledge regarding of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adolescent Girls of Chitwan

Growth spurts and menarche in adolescent Girls increase iron requirements. Iron deficiency anemia, one of the common nutritional deficiency condition of adolescent girls, is related to poor dietary intake and lack of iron supplementation puts them into the high risk group. The objective of this study is to find out the “Knowledge regarding Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adolescent girls. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Among the 5 government school of this Municipality, three were selected by simple random method and among those schools probability proportional sampling was used for the selection of the adolescent girls of the schools. Data were collected from 156 adolescent school girls through self-administered structured questionnaire developed by researcher and analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for the analysis. This study revealed that more than half (53.2%) of the adolescents girls had low knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia and remaining had just moderate knowledge. There was significant association between age (p=0.03), education (p= 0.001) and father’s occupation (p=0.004) with level of knowledge on iron deficiency anemia. The study concludes that adolescent girls have low knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia, so school administration need to plan and organize anemia preventive campaign and provide information, education and communication (IEC) materials and screening services related to anemia.

Augmenting mental health literacy of troops in a large military station: A novel approach.

Mental health literacy (MHL) helps in acknowledging the symptoms at an early stage, thus promoting prompt management of negative stress behaviors. Despite the central thrust towards augmentation of MHL of troops, there is a paucity of available literature on the subject matter, especially in the Indian context. Current research explores the efficacy of a standardized Information Education and Communication (IEC) module for the promotion of MHL among troops. 1200 soldiers posted in a large military station underwent a psycho-educational module about stress and related mental health conditions in an open-label experimental study. Data was collected using a simple demographic tool and a specially constructed Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) mental health awareness questionnaire. The same sample was studied before the IEC activity, immediately after the IEC activity, and again after six months. Community-based psycho-educational module helped in improvement in MHL and the gains were stable at six months. Well-standardized and structured module was found to be an effective strategy for improving MHL. The authors consider this study as seminal for bringing objectivity to mental health promotional programs in the Armed Forces.

Perception of beneficiaries on motivating factors and challenges of COVID-19 vaccination: An institute-based study.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a newly discovered SARS-CoV-2, led to COVID-19 pandemic across the world. Vaccination played an important role in reduction in morbidity and mortality concerning the current pandemic, but there was a lack of awareness and motivation to get vaccinated during the pandemic. This study was aimed at assessing the motivating factors and finding out the challenges perceived among the beneficiaries receiving the vaccine at the COVID-19 immunization center of Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital (BSMCH). This institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to October 2021 at the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre of Bankura Sammilani Medical College, West Bengal, among 158 beneficiaries. The study population was selected through a systematic random sampling method, and data were collected by interview with a predesigned, pretested structured questionnaire. To identify the predictor (s), variables that were found statistically significant in binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multiple logistic regression. Motivation for vaccination was significantly (P < 0.05) higher among participants who were educated up to the secondary level. Challenges perceived were significantly (P < 0.05) higher among participants aged less than 60 years and the participants who were coming from a distance of more than or equal to three kilometers. Awareness generation program, frequent Information, education and communication (IEC) activities, etc., may alleviate these challenges and can improve vaccination coverage in the future.

Empowering Health care Systems and Communities for Snakebite Envenoming Control in India.

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a global health challenge, predominantly affecting economically disadvantaged regions. India contributes significantly to global snakebite mortality. Since 2013, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has spearheaded efforts to combat SBE. A multi-sectoral engagement in the snakebite research projects and inputs from communities, traditional healers, and the health system have led to the creation of an Information Education and Communication (IEC) material suite, including management flowchart, information booklets, posters, and brochures, all available in local languages. These resources were broadly disseminated in high-burden regions in Maharashtra and Odisha, resulting in an approximately 10% increase in case reporting within a year. This holistic approach, engaging diverse stakeholders and addressing multiple facets of SBE, offers promise for alleviating the snakebite burden, not only in India but also in other low- and middle-income countries across South Asia, Africa, and South America, holding potential for broader positive global impact.

Follow up of a gestational trophoblastic disease management: Need for information education and communication (IEC) module

Follow up of a gestational trophoblastic disease management: Need for information education and communication (IEC) module

Determinants of the unmet needs for information, education and communication on sexual health among single youths in Burundi.

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young people aged 15-24 in urban areas is at least 12 times higher among girls than boys in Burundi, while it is twice as high in Rwanda. The gap between the two countries could be narrowed if Burundi's single young people were provided with sufficient information about their sexual health through appropriate channels. The aim of this study was to examine the social and individual "determinants" of unmet needs for sexual health information, education and communication (IEC) among unmarried young boys and girls aged 15-24 in Burundi, using data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Data were analyzed at the bivariate level using cross-tabulations and chi-squared tests, and at the multivariate level using binary logistic regression methods. According to the results of the study, the 'determinants' of the phenomenon studied are, for both sexes, the size of the household, the age of the youths, their level of education, their knowledge of where to take the HIV/AIDS test and their region of residence; only in the case of boys do we find, in addition, the age of the head of the household, his level of education and the adolescents' exposure to the media; similarly, only in the case of girls do we find their economic activity and their perception of HIV/AIDS. Multisectoral IEC actions on sexual health for young people should therefore be strengthened in Burundi.

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Anemia among Females of Age Group 10-45 Years in a Rural Population of Gurugram, Haryana

Introduction: Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Its Prevalence is inordinately higher among developing nations, because of unfavorable socio- demographic factors and indigent access to healthcare services. Therefore, it is pertinent to find the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors. Objective: To find out prevalence and socio- demographic factors associated with anaemia among females of age group 10-45 years in a rural population of Gurugram, Haryana. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in villages under PHC Garhi Harsaru in Gurugram, Haryana among 452 females of age group 10-45 years by two stage random sampling technique. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 25 ± 6.39 years. The overall prevalence of anemia among women of age group of 10-45 years was found to be 62.39%. Joint family, lower literacy, and low socioeconomic status were found to be statistically significant risk factors for anaemia among study subjects. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia was very high; therefore attempts should be made to sensitize the rural population through health and nutrition education, information, education and communication (IEC) and appropriate behaviour change communication (BCC) activities.

Health Education Measures to Combat Covid-19 in Southeast Asia: Malaysia's Initiatives

This article highlights the health education (HE) strategies implemented by Malaysia in responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic health promotion. A combination of HE measures that represent different aims enables countries, especially those with limited resources, to educate people and fight infectious diseases effectively. Publication of information, education and communication (IEC) materials; dedicated portal, hotlines and various media channels; daily press conference and press statements; infodemic/fake news management; and multi-sector engagement should be incorporated in reducing the number of COVID-19-positive cases. The HE measures addressed in this article can provide a basis for countries in the Southeast Asia region and those with limited resources to develop HE strategies to reduce the severity of the outbreak.

A Paper Review: Diversity, Conservation and Management of Fruit Bats (Family Pteropodidae) Inhabiting the Tropical Forests of Southeast Asian Region

This paper has reviewed on the extent of various studies conducted to describe the diversity of fruit bats (Family Pteropodidae), its conservation and management in the tropical forests of Southeast Asian Region. The study was anchored on synthesizing published articles from February to May 2022 through data banking using keywords: bats, fruit bats, fruit bat diversity, conservation management, tropical forests with regards to the respective country. Results showed that diversity of fruit bats (Family Pteropodidae) inhabiting the tropical forest of Southeast Asia has a total of 99 fruit bat species with a total of 19 conservation initiatives undertaken. These included population conservation, protection and management of their food sources and habitats. Generally, majority of the studies all throughout Southeast Asia revealed the presence of adversely affected bat communities after forest disturbance and destruction. The study recommend further research in some countries of Southeast Asia, some specific study on fruit bats should include ectoparasitism, vectors of infectious diseases like rabies and other viruses, and other studies, some studies should be conducted as well for other bat families like insectivorous and nectarivorous bats, strict implementation of laws and legislations focused on protecting fruit bats, their food sources and habitats, and the entire forest ecosystem, and in situ fruit bat initiatives like increasing the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign such as no direct killing and commercialization.

Relationship of Parity, Maternal Age and Birth Weight with the Duration of the Second Stage of Labor

Background: second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of a baby. The duration of second stage of labor commonly lasts 2 hours for primigravida mothers and one hour for multigravida mothers. Prolonged labor is one of complications experienced by mothers in second stage of labor. Prolonged labor can cause several complications for both mothers and infants. Prolonged labor can harm both the mother and the infant. The harmful effects of complications during second stage of labor for mothers include the incidence of uterine atony, laceration, bleeding, infection, fatigue and shock and improving the birth rate with the C-section incision. Whereas the harmful effects of complications during second stage of labor for infants include asphyxiated, cerebral trauma caused by pressure on the head of the fetus, the injury due to action, and premature rupture of membranes. The severity of the injury increases continuously along with the longer of the duration of the labor process, and the risk of which rises quickly after 24 hours. The longer the labor, the higher the morbidity as well as the mortality. The stage of labor affected by all such factors mentioned is called the second stage of laborObjective: to find out the relationship of parity, maternal age, and birth weight with the duration of the second stage of labor.Methods: this study applied a quantitative research design using an analytical survey method through a cross sectional approach. The sample in this study was chosen using total sampling method with the purposive sampling technique, namely, that the sample was all maternity mothers who were coincidentally present at the time of the study at UPTD Karya Mukti Public Health Center in August 2021. Then, Chi-square statistical test was used to determine the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable.Results: of the 30 respondents, 20 respondents whose parity was not at risk (95.2%) experienced normal duration of second stage of labor, while 5 respondents (55.6%) whose parity was at risk experienced normal duration of second stage of labor. 21 respondents whose maternal age was not at risk (95.5%) experienced normal duration of second stage of labor, while 4 respondents whose maternal age was at risk (50%) experienced normal duration second stage of labor. 23 respondents (92%) with normal birth weight babies experienced normal duration of second stage of labor, while 2 respondents (40%)with large birth weight babies experienced normal duration of second stage of labor. The results of the Chi-square statistical test showed that there was a significant relationship between parity and the duration of the second stage of labor with the p-value of 0.019 £ 0.05 and the OR value of 9.157. There was a significant relationship between maternal age and the duration of the second stage of labor with the p-value of 0.011 £ 0.05 and the OR value of 5.387, and there was a significant relationship between birth weight and the duration of the second stage of labor with the p-value of 0.022 £ 0.05 and OR value of 3.405.Conclusions: there was a relationship between parity and the duration of second stage of labor. There was a relationship between maternal age and the duration of second stage of labor, and there was a relationship between birth weight and the duration of second stage of labor. Suggestions: It is hoped that health workers will further improve IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) regarding safe gestational age, safe parity and balanced nutrition as a form of antenatal care for pregnant women which is very influential, especially during the second stage of labor. In addition, for pregnant women, it is better to perform quality ANC to predict whether mothers will be likely to experience prolonged labor or not and also to prevent prolonged labor and other complications of pregnancy and labor. Then, based on the results of ANC tests, the mothers immediately referred to a more adequate hospitals/maternity hospitals to monitor the condition of their pregnancy so as to prevent the risk that will be faced by the mothers and fetus during labor. Keywords: Parity, Maternal Age, Birth Weight, Duration of Second Stage Labor

Quality of COVID-19 information, education and communication materials in India: A content analysis.

This study examined the characteristics and quality of publicly available COVID-19 information education and communication (IEC) materials in India between March and December 2020. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed to examine the characteristics and quality of 265 purposefully selected IEC materials. The IEC materials analysed were those published between March and December 2020 on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, Government of India. A checklist was utilised to examine the quality and characteristics of the materials. Thereafter, qualitative analysis provided insights into the contents of the materials with specific focus on the 'COVID-19 continuum of care'. The majority (73.96%, n = 196) of the selected materials were directed towards the general public and had a focus on prevention (67.55 %, n = 179). Despite COVID-19-associated stigma, only 56 (21.13%) of the materials addressed this issue. However, most (95.47%, n = 253) of the materials adhered to quality standards for contents, readability and aesthetics. This qualitative analysis focused on the contents of selected IEC materials using the concept of 'continuum of care'. The analysis identified three important themes: prevention to early diagnosis and treatment; mitigation of stigma and discrimination surrounding COVID-19; and addressing the infodemic caused by COVID-19. The quality of materials was mostly satisfactory and appropriate to the emergent requirements. Strengthening audience engagement and attractiveness of the materials might enhance readability and actionability. A bottom-up approach to the development of future IEC materials, involving the community might widen the coverage of vulnerable populations in future crisis events.