Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116925

Maxine R. Eber, MA, Technical Services, Population Services International (PSI), 1120 19th St, NW, #600, Washington, DC 20008, 202-785-0072, meber@psi.org and Dhaval S. Patel, PhD, MPH, Research Department, Population Services International (PSI), 1120 19th St, NW, #600, Washington, DC 20036.

1)In 2004, PSI received funding from the CATALYST Consortium to conduct a birth spacing initiative in two Districts in Laos. OBS was promoted in the broader context of maternal & child health to increase knowledge of birth spacing benefits; increase informed demand for MCH and FP products/services; and improve access to condoms, oral contraceptives, and clean delivery kits. A TOT was conducted for traditional birth attendants, village health workers, and pharmacists to increase awareness of the importance of birth spacing and safe delivery and motivate health workers to disseminate information and products. Product inserts were revised to include messages on birth spacing. The presentation examines achievements and challenges including advocacy to allow message dissemination and development of culturally appropriate products. 2)PSI conducts reproductive health initiatives in multiple Indian states using quantitative research to target at-risk groups more effectively and to monitor and evaluate program performance. A population-based sample survey conducted at the beginning of the program provides baseline information and allows program managers to conduct a segmentation analysis dividing target groups according to the promoted behavior and how they compare relative to key behavioral determinants. The analysis is the basis for communications design. Program outputs and behavior change are assessed in a mid-term survey, providing evidence to program managers for adjustments if necessary. An endline survey evaluates the effectiveness of communication campaigns and measurs program performance. The presentation includes examples of audience segmentation, program monitoring, preliminary evaluation, and communications materials from PSI's Birth Spacing Initiative in Jharkhand, India.

Learning Objectives: • Audience members will become familiar with two approaches to promoting OBS through social marketing and the challenges and successes of each

• Improving Reproductive Health through Partnerships and Advocacy in Laos
• Translating Research into Action
  Segmentation, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Promotion of Birth Spacing in Jharkhand, India.

  Keywords: Family Planning, Communication

  Related Web page: www.psi.org

  Presenting author's disclosure statement:
  

  I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

  Recorded presentation

  Optimal Birth Spacing: Evidence-based Practices

  The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA