Correct information about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS alone does not necessarily lead to behavioural change. Societal norms, religious criteria, and gender-power relations are some of the salient variables that contribute to shaping people’s behaviours. In short, reproductive takes place in socio-cultural situations that can help, inhibit about behaviour change. Working to understand this social context, and in particular the readiness of the context to permit change is critical We believe that using the framework of SPIA (Societal Perspective Involvement and Action) has enabled many people in the Wassa West and Adansi West Districts of Ghana to adopt healthier behaviours. The participatory establishment of a societal environment for improved communication has been especially effective in modifying sexual attitudes and gender interactions.
This presentation explores the use of SPIA in HIV/AIDS behaviour change communication in the two districts mentioned above. SPIA directs the use of qualitative tools to collaboratively to investigate and review the societal determinants of reproductive health such as norms, concerns and beliefs as well as reveals a community’s social readiness for change. Our research demonstrates that behaviour change can sometimes be rapid when the societal environment is enabling and community members are ready to change. As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to describe the term “social readiness” and identify its variables. They will be able to articulate the importance of social readiness to behaviour change as well as understand how frameworks such as SPIA can be used to determine degrees of readiness.
Learning Objectives: As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to describe the term “social readiness” and identify its variables. They will be able to articulate the importance of social readiness to behaviour change as well as understand how frameworks such as SPIA can be used to determine degrees of readiness.
Keywords: Behavior Modification, International Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CARE-CDC Health Initiative (CCHI)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.