The I-Kit includes nine sample AMA and HP communication tools. Each provides a suggested template and format for communicating key messages on AMA and HP pregnancies to relevant audiences. FP or communication professionals can adapt the tools according to the program needs and particularly according to the local implementation context.
The nine tools are designed to reach community members at each level of the Socio-Ecological Approach.
Table 3 provides a breakdown of the tools by Socio-Ecological level. Table 4 provides a description of each tool, who it is for and how to use it. The tools themselves are included in the Annexes (D through L).
Table 3: Adaptable Communication Tool Overview
| Socio-Ecological Level | Communication Tool |
|---|---|
| Individual and Family & Peer
Influences women’s knowledge and beliefs, as well as spouse and peer communication | |
| Community
Influences collective efficacy and mobilization | |
| Social and Structural
Influences services, media and policy |
Table 4: Communication Tools Overview
| Tool | |
|---|---|
| Client Brochure
Less conservative audience version: Annex D More conservative audience version: Annex E | What It Is: A pamphlet with key information on AMA and HP pregnancies and cues for behavior change. The pamphlets include an AMA and HP self-assessment and modern FP method information.
Who It Is for:
How to Use It: Give to/review with women during FP counseling sessions, at health service delivery sites and pharmacies, women’s group meetings, community-based events, CHW outreach activities, etc. |
| Guide for Working with Community- Based Groups | What It Is: A guide to develop AMA and HP community mobilization and peer-to-peer communication projects.
Who It Is for: FP/RH/MCH/health organizations who want to engage health and non-health community groups in the effort to address AMA and HP pregnancy. How to Use It: Identify active community and work place groups and work with them to design, implement and monitor activities. |
| Counseling Guide
Provider version: Annex G CHW version: Annex H | What It Is: A tool to help structure conversations about AMA and HP pregnancy and FP method selection between providers and clients, starting with two simple questions: “Are you currently pregnant?” and “Do you or your partner want to have a child in the next 12 to 18 months?” The tool has two versions: A condensed version for CHWs, and a more detailed version for facility-based providers with more health training.
Who It Is for: Facility and community-based FP and health service providers. How to Use It:
|
| Reminder Poster for Providers | What It Is: A tool to remind service providers to talk to clients about AMA and HP pregnancy risks. It summarizes the Provider/CHW Counseling Guide concepts in three main steps: Ask the client if and when she wants to become pregnant; Evaluate her situation; Respond to client questions, concerns and needs.
Who It Is for: Facility-based FP and other service providers. How to Use It:
|
| Guide for Researchers | What It Is: A set of focus group discussion and in-depth interview tools designed to collect primary data on AMA and HP knowledge, attitudes and perceptions. Questions included are for key groups, such as AMA/HP women, male partners, community leaders and others.
Who It Is for: Program managers or researchers interested in finding out more about AMA and HP knowledge, attitudes and perceptions in their local area. How to Use It: The guide can be used to structure focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and may be adapted for different audiences. |
| Guide for Journalists | What It Is: A guide that outlines why and how journalists can address AMA and HP in their work and programs. It provides sample segment formats, key messages and basic information about AMA and HP.
Who It Is for: Radio, print and television journalists. How to Use It:
|
| Infographics for Health Priority Decision-Makers | What It Is: A visual explanation of AMA and HP pregnancy, with one page dedicated to each. The infographics include key information about the health risks associated with AMA and HP pregnancies, other FP-related facts and a “call to action” in an easy-to-read and engaging format.
Who It Is for: Decision-makers – such as FP service delivery managers, clinic heads, government officials, community and religious leaders – who need convincing that a focus on AMA and HP is the smart thing to do. How to Use It:
|
Suggestions for Adapting Tools
Before using these tools in your programs, it is important to test them with members of primary and influencing audiences to determine what to change to best meet their needs and the needs of the program. Changes might include:
- Replacing some images (people, dress, buildings, symbols, etc.) with those that are more familiar to local audiences.
- Revising or adding messages that are more relevant to the local situation, gender norms or family planning priorities, being careful of how taboo topics – such as limiting pregnancies, religious factors or polygamous unions – are handled.
- Using the language and vocabulary used by local audiences.
- Organizing the information to be more easily understood by local audiences.
Resources
For more guidance on adapting SBCC materials, please refer to HC3’s How to Adapt SBCC Materials How-to Guide.
Sharing Your Tools and Experiences
As programs work with and adapt these tools (and create others), they are encouraged to share their localized versions and experiences. This may be done by posting for discussion on Springboard for Health Communication Professionals or on the Health COMpass.
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