Community Consultation for Feasible Behavior Change

It is essential to validate local experiences when developing behavior change messages. With this in mind, USAID/TAIS undertook a “community consultation” exercise in 2007 to learn more about key family practices related to child health in Timor-Leste.

The community consultation used in-depth interviews and trials of improved practices (TIPs), in which mothers were asked to try out new behaviors for a trial period. Interviewers later returned for feedback on what people did, as well as their perceived benefits, difficulties, and intentions to continue the new practices. Some of these included making and using a baby potty, introducing homemade ORS for treating diarrhea, avoiding bottles (by using a cup and spoon), and adding locally available foods to plain porridge.

A number of existing health messages were significantly altered based on results of the trial behaviors. For example, it was found that mothers breastfeed frequently during the day and night, but for very short durations. It was thus determined that messages targeted at community members should focus on the benefits of longer feeds. In the area of hygiene, it was found that children were allowed to defecate anywhere in the household. The TIPs process showed that mothers were willing to make and use baby potties, although this was only successful during evening hours.

The negotiation technique used in this community consultation is important to add to health workers' repertoire of behavior change skills, like counseling. The information gathered can be used to improve messages in other communication mediums.