Key Lessons From a Systematic Behavior Change Communication Process Used in a Pneumonia Prevention Program in Five African Countries

Abstract

Background A systematic behavior change communication (BCC) process was designed to enable local partners to effectively conduct formative research and develop a comprehensive BCC strategy, as part of a pneumonia prevention and control program implemented from 2017 to 2021 by the Red Cross Red Crescent in Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Sudan, and Zambia. Methods Qualitative content analysis was used to identify, categorize, and summarize key results, lessons, and recommendations related to the BCC process from country evaluation data. Results Key elements to success of a locally implemented BCC process include: (1) through simple formative research, understanding household decision-making dynamics for timely health seeking and coexistence of modern and traditional medicine; (2) explicitly analyze motivators for uptake of protective behaviors, with strong and deliberate community participation to validate and tailor BCC messages and channels; (3) ensuring that the challenges to access basic services, such as water and sanitation facilities, are adequately addressed as critical enabling factors for behavior change. Other implications include a need for innovative solutions to physical and economic barriers in areas where large distances, lack of transportation, or cost hinder caregivers seeking care for sick children. Conclusions Community health programs that apply a BCC process through local partners can be effective in achieving behavioral outcomes. Participatory planning and involvement of the community in iterative rounds of validation improved the relevance, appropriateness, and impact. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of different communication methods and sustained impact on health outcomes.