Where art and science meet: Development of narrative vs. non-narrative educational films using a participatory approach

Background: Although narrative has been the primary form of communication throughout history, health promotion has all but ignored narrative when conveying health-related information. The need for more effective health communication prompted the development of two films for use in a study that evaluates the relative impact of narrative vs. non-narrative cervical cancer educational materials. Purpose: Detail the participatory process of working with an interdisciplinary team of scholars, medical experts, filmmakers, Promotores, and other community members to develop two films. Methods: The participatory approach included eight formative focus groups with women at risk for cervical cancer, two interviews with community doctors, three interviews with experts and seven interviews with Promotores. As a result of these discussions, 18 cervical cancer-related facts were developed and approved by health experts. Two film scripts were developed, the narrative “The Tamale Lesson” and the non-narrative “Its Time”, each of which contained the 18 facts. Additionally, eight focus groups were conducted to evaluate response to the films from members of our target audience. Results: Feedback from key stakeholders was used not only in the development of the films but also at various points in the script-writing and editing phases to implement changes in the format, content, and structure of the films. Discussion: The participatory approach proved to be an effective way to develop educational materials that were accurate, relevant and culturally sensitive. The relative efficacy of these films is currently being examined in a field experiment involving 1200 women from four different ethnic groups.