How to Communicate the Health Message

How to Communicate the Health Message? : 

How to Communicate the Health Message? Dr. Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D. Public Health Scientist copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 1

The Problem : 

The Problem Finding the right method of communication is often difficult and challenging in transmitting and understanding the health message proposed by health educators and health promoters. Various methods, media and techniques are known and are discussed as possible solutions aids for proper communication of health information to diverse audiences. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 2

What is communication? : 

What is communication? Communication: Is defined as the medium for the transmission, receipt of, analysis, interpretation, and exchange of information, ideas, norms, attitudes and values. Can be enhanced by the use of certain media and techniques. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 3

Value of Communication? : 

Value of Communication? Helping people to live healthy and happy lives. Stimulate new thoughts, feelings and influence informed choices. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 4

Pre-requisites of Effective Communication : 

Pre-requisites of Effective Communication Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 5

Who? : 

Who? Who is the target audience? Individual? Community? Region? Institution? Population? Society? Country? Other? copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 6

What? : 

What? Nature and content: Ideas. Concepts. Feelings. Emotions. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 7

Where? : 

Where? Mutual convenience. Easy accessible. Cost effective. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 8

When? : 

When? Date & Time: Free time. Most appropriate. Plan a time. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 9

Why? : 

Why? To convey ideas, thoughts and feelings in person or through various media. To inform. To educate. To disseminate. To encourage attitudinal and behavioural changes. To encourage self-awareness and healthy behavioural outcomes. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 10

How? : 

How? Pre-testing methods: To ensure appropriateness of message to the topic and audience. To prepare materials that are simple and clear. To present materials for a small group. To obtain feedback. To take corrective actions for continuous improvement. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 11

Health Talks : 

Health Talks Purpose Participation. Group size. Preparation. Planning. Executing. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 12

Proverbs : 

Proverbs Purpose. Discovering local proverbs. Meanings. Educational use. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 13

Dance : 

Dance Purpose. Group size. Songs. Message. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 14

Informants : 

Informants Purpose. Place. Methods. Content. Educational use. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 15

Fables : 

Fables Purpose. Group size. Educational use. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 16

Stories : 

Stories Purpose. Group size. Characteristics of a good story. Believable. Names. Action. Avoid naming real people in the community. Short. Clear. Avoid unkind words. Follow with discussion and questions. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 17

Case Studies : 

Case Studies Purpose. Group size. Developing a case study. Know the problem. Reading or listening to a case. Choose successes and failures. Steps to solve the problem. Using the case study Learning from the case study. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 18

Drama : 

Drama Types: Traditional. Modern. Purpose. Group size. Content. Story. Characters. Scenes. Message. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 19

Puppets : 

Puppets Types: Hand. String. Shadow. Purpose. Uses of puppets. Group size. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 20

Discussion groups : 

Discussion groups Purpose. Group size. Planning: Common interests. Getting group together. Place. Holding a discussion: Building up relationships. Encouraging others. Starting with common knowledge. Using questions to encourage sharing and understanding. Encouraging participation. Time management. Evaluation. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 21

Meetings : 

Meetings Purpose. Group size. Planning. Need. Time. Date. Place. Advertizing Setting an agenda. Conducting the meeting. Leadership. Participation. Clarification of ideas. Reaching decisions. Taking action. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 22

Role play : 

Role play Purpose. Group size. Time. Other concerns. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 23

Demonstration : 

Demonstration Planning: Need. Materials. Conducting the demonstration: Explain. Demonstrate. Encourage participation. Evaluate. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 24

Posters : 

Posters Dimensions: 60 cm x 90 cm. Local language. Simple. Clear. Few words. Common symbols. One idea per poster. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 25

Displays : 

Displays Real objects. Models. Pictures. Posters. Other visuals. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 26

Films or Movies : 

Films or Movies Convenient time and place. Spread the word. Tell people about the film prior to showing it. Show the film. Discussion. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 27

Flipcharts : 

Flipcharts Number of posters grouped together. Several aspects of a single topic can be presented or several different, but related topics can be presented. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 28

Flannelgraph : 

Flannelgraph Used to illustrate a particular message visually. Photographs. Words. Letters. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 29

Projected Materials : 

Projected Materials Projection of educational materials using a projector. Overhead. Slide. Opaque. Multimedia. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 30

Tape Recordings : 

Tape Recordings Lectures. Radio programmes. Role plays. Group discussions. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 31

Mass Media : 

Mass Media Newspapers. Magazines. Radio shows. Television shows. Documentaries. Discussions. Debates. Special programmes. Video. Internet. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 32

Conclusion : 

Conclusion Primary health care is undeserving in many countries worldwide. Empowering people, communities and societies and countries to become more aware and conscious of their health should be encouraged and be the responsibility of all governments worldwide. This goal can only be reached if there exists effective health education coupled with health promotion programmes that addresses the health needs of individual communities and societies. This may not only mean health for one country, but health for all concerned. We must therefore act now in order to eradicate global diseases and ensure health for all. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 33

Reference : 

Reference Pattron, D. 2005. Recent Research in Public Health. New York: Scientific Publishers. copyright (c) 2009 Dr. D. Pattron, Ph.D. 34