The LINKAGES Project has successfully applied Behavior Change theories to improve infant feeding in several developing countries. Key factors have been identified through the use of psychosocial decision-making models and social cognitive learning theory to move people along the continuum envisioned in the Stages of Change Model to ultimately adopt optimal infant feeding practices. Implementing through ministries of health and other community-based partners, LINKAGES has developed the technique of “negotiation” with mothers to “try out” a new infant feeding practice chosen by the mother. Field agents help mothers identify barriers to adopting new practices and encourage support from family. Mothers are empowered to make good feeding decisions with this ensuring the adoption of recommended practices.
Visuals are used to go beyond information “passing” to call for action, by including all steps of the Experiential Learning Cycle. Mothers and community members are helped to analyze what is shown as optimal practices, imagine how they might overcome barriers to performing the practice, and finally to actually try the new practice. Peer educational approaches are used in mother-to-mother support groups, in which mothers help each other solve breastfeeding and complementary feeding problems through sharing how they overcame barriers and difficulties. Community mobilization and radio complete the intervention package that has brought quick changes in behavior and improved infant feeding.
Even with short implementation timeframes, major results have been achieved in India as well as in Ghana and Madagascar.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: 1.) Identify key activities of a successful behavior change program at the community level; 2.) List communication channels at the community level to reach mothers and other target groups; and 3.) Describe the technique of going beyond delivering the message to negotiating with mothers to try out new infant feeding practices.
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Community Involvement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.