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Online Program

331969
Gyan Jyoti: Developing a mobile application to empower ASHAs for client counseling, self-learning and case management


Monday, November 2, 2015 : 10:56 a.m. - 11:09 a.m.

Lindsey Leslie, MSPH, Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Sanjanthi Velu, Asia Team Lead, JHU.CCP, Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Geetali Trivedi, DFID Reproductive Health Framework Project, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Gurgaon, India
Durba Gogia, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Gurgaon, India
Mona Sinha, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Bihar, India
Safdar Ali, Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Bihar, India
Michael Bailey, MA, Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Alex Little
Nandita Kapadia-Kundu, PhD, Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD
Gabrielle Hunter, MHS, JHU.CCP, Baltimore, Maryland
Pradeep Krishnatray, PhD, Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Delhi, India
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Purpose: Bihar, India demonstrates a strong need for increasing modern contraceptive use (the contraceptive mix is skewed towards female sterilization). In response, Project Ujjwal has developed ‘Gyan Jyoti’ ('Flame of Knowledge') an android based, open-source application that provides self-learning and client counseling support for Frontline Health Workers called ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists).

Given the evidence to support combining mass media and interpersonal communication to accelerate the adoption of contraceptive use, Gyan Joti links the persuasive power of AV content with the increasing accessibility of mobile phones in rural India. The goal: empower and enable ASHAs to better counsel clients (15-49years) on adopting family planning (FP) methods. A total of 40 short films have been loaded onto the app aimed at affecting behavior change. Specially designed for low-literacy populations, the app is organized in an ASHA-friendly format.

Gyan Jyoti app equips ASHAs with correct, credible and persuasive information on spacing/limiting methods, encouraging clients to seek information on FP services; thereby increasing acceptance of FP services in the community.

Methods: 14 ASHAs participated in a usability workshop. ASHA feedback and observations were combined with metrics collected from the app to gain insight into use and inform future app development and implementation.

Results: Preliminary findings show ASHAs have adapted to using Gyan Joti. There have been other interesting and unanticipated discoveries regarding the ASHAs use of mobile technology.  These discoveries, combined with user feedback, have led to modifications in the app content and design.

Discussion: This project provides guidance in developing innovative digital platforms (video based counseling aids) for vulnerable communities. It is envisaged that Gyan Joti will be a one-stop RMNCH+A solution for the ASHAs spanning client counseling, individual case management and self-learning. A future assessment will measure client behavioral outcomes, viral dissemination of content and studies to understand key motivators for acceptance from post counseling acceptors.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Compare pros/cons of IVRS, audio visual and traditional counseling methods. List 3 key steps in developing a usability testing workshop Discuss benefits/ challenges to merging traditional and video-based counseling systems

Keyword(s): Family Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: of my active involvement with multiple mHealth initiatives for Frontline Health Workers in India and Nigeria, as well as youth in Nicaragua. My professional interests include behavior change communication and strategic use of new media to engage communities in positive health behaviors.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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