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. 2020 Feb 1;35(1):15-31.
doi: 10.1093/her/cyz032.

A process evaluation of the Communication for Healthy Communities adolescent health program in Uganda

Judith Nalukwago  1   2   3 , Jane Alaii  4 , Bart van den Borne  1 , Paul Mukisa Bukuluki  3 , Musa Kimbowa  2 , Emily Bockh  5 , Sheila Marunga Coutinho  2 , Rik Crutzen  1
Affiliations

A process evaluation of the Communication for Healthy Communities adolescent health program in Uganda

Judith Nalukwago et al. Health Educ Res. .

Abstract

This study is a process evaluation of an adolescent-focused intervention of the USAID Communication for Healthy Communities program, in Uganda. We used mixed methods including observation, consultations and review of program documents to collect data on program coverage, reach and factors influencing implementation. Findings show that program activities were successfully implemented through collaborative partnerships with service partners and the community. Interpersonal communication complemented by mass-media messaging was effective in reaching and empowering adolescents with health information to make informed choices for behavior change. The program used theoretical frameworks to guide targeted interventions through audience segmentation and community empowerment. Targeted mass-media messaging and placement was found to be pertinent for program reach. Working through existing community structures is important for an effective reach of health promotion programs. Lessons identified for scaling-up adolescent health programs include the need to harmonize training and deployment of community champions by development partners, recruit audience-specific influential champions and link income-generating activities to health education interventions. There is thus need to collaboratively develop and institutionalize effective monitoring and evaluation strategies during program inception and design phases for appropriate accountability, ownership and a continuation of gains.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Obulamu? Life Cycle approach.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
CHC's 360-degree communication approach for the ARC program.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
An illustration of the social ecological model. Source: Mckee et al. [20].
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
A summary of contextual issues identified before and during implementation of the ARC program for adolescent and young adult females. IPC, interpersonal communication; HC, health communication.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
Obulamu? Values Clarification Tool used by CHC for the ARC program.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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