First things first: print materials make the difference in strengthening reproductive health services in Bolivia.
Valente Tw, Nickerson Ld, María José García Mérida, Coca Me, Lesly Solares, Rosita Daza de Caballero · 1993
In 1992 the Bolivian National Reproductive Health Program published a coordinated set of print materials including a flipchart a methods overview pamphlet a wallchart a manual reference cards and flyers for use by service providers during counseling sessions with clients. This activity which was unique in the country was a first phase in the national information education and communication strategy. The set was evaluated in clinics in 3 main geographic regions during September-December 1992. Evaluation consisted of: 1) a client survey designed to measure the individual effectiveness of the materials which consisted of a pre/post-test of 237 clients (64% participated in both tests) with half assigned to an experimental group and half to a control; 2) pre/post-test service provider surveys; and 3) observations of service provider-client interaction in counseling sessions during the pre/post-test periods. In both tests clients had an average of 2.6 children an average age of 26.4-26.5 years and a proportion married of 89.44-92.53%. As a result of the intervention spontaneous awareness of modern family planning (FP) methods and of the terms reproductive health and increased significantly. In addition clients and their spouses in both groups displayed an overwhelmingly favorable attitude toward FP. Spousal communication increased among treatment group clients from 83.6 to 94.6%. There was not significant time between the pre- and post-test to measure changes in contraceptive usage. In general the clients found the materials to be both attractive and useful. Service providers were also very positive about the materials which they were best able to use after training. Observations of service providers resulted in the following recommendations: 1) appropriate use of the materials would be insured through periodic meetings with service providers 2) most service providers would benefit from more technical training in and 3) most physicians would benefit from training in counseling. As they undergo further modifications as a result of this evaluation these print materials will improve FP service delivery.