Behaviour Change Communication

ABSTRACT
Access to adequate sanitation and hygiene remains a significant challenge in Kenya’s coastal marginalized regions, where poverty, cultural practices, and inadequate infrastructure hinder the adoption of sustainable hygiene practices. Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) has been widely recognized as a participatory approach to promoting behavioral change and achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) communities. However, the effectiveness of CLTS in these regions remains uncertain due to socio-economic, environmental, and institutional barriers. This study examined the role of CLTS in enhancing hygiene practices in Kenya’s coastal marginalized regions, focusing on its impact, challenges, and opportunities for scaling up sustainable sanitation interventions. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and observational data from key stakeholders, including community members, local leaders, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practitioners. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of sanitation behavior change in the study areas. Findings revealed that CLTS has contributed significantly to raising awareness about hygiene practices, yet its effectiveness is hampered by economic constraints, resistance to behavior change, inadequate policy support, and climatic factors such as flooding in some coastal counties. Inferential statistics indicated a significant correlation between community participation and sanitation behavior change, while qualitative findings highlighted cultural and religious influences as critical determinants of hygiene adoption. The study also identified gaps in policy implementation, financing mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks, which limit the long-term sustainability of CLTS initiatives. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening community engagement, addressing economic and infrastructure barriers, implementing policy reforms, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, and fostering public-private partnerships to improve CLTS outcomes. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness of CLTS, promote sustainable hygiene behaviors, and improve public health in Kenya’s marginalized coastal regions.
Keywords:
Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), Hygiene Practices, Marginalized Regions, Coastal Kenya, Sustainable Sanitation, Open Defecation Free (ODF), WASH, Public Health

This study attempted to determine the factors affecting employees’ readiness for change in the context of private commercial banks in a developing country context (Ethiopia). The researchers examined factors that affect employee’s readiness for change. A survey questionnaire and purposive sampling was used to collect 302 completely filled questionnaires. These responses are then considered for both descriptive and explanatory analysis. Employees at two major Ethiopian commercial banks were included in the study.
The study found out that psychological capital, change attitude, work and supervisor relationships, management support, communication, and perception of change result affect change readiness significantly. The results of the study are based on how the participants perceive changes they experienced in the past. This limitation can be an opportunity for future research and comparative case studies.
The presented result shed light regarding the effect of Individual, Organizational, and change related factors on change readiness in commercial banks; the research’s outcome provides useful input for commercial banks, policy makers and change managers in the study setting concerning the factors affecting change readiness. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge in the area of change readiness and the factors affecting it. It also addresses the under-explored financial sector in developing economies and examines the factors of change readiness from the perspectives of individuals, organizations, and change processes.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus required all governments (states and central) around the world to switch from offline mode (face-to-face) to online mode and online testing. This is a historical mess of learning. The movement raises many questions and questions about the quality of education. How to educate them that important issues related to rural technical infrastructure to provide standards for online education and that what they are learning is an important issue that requires considerable focus. Can you evaluate it? The purpose of the study is to assess quality of education from the student's perspective. From April 10th to April 15th, 2022, an online survey of local students was conducted on opinions on various aspects of the ongoing pandemic online education and quality of education. Forty participants were selected from the non-probability sample using the sampling method of interest to collect the information. Structured closed-end surveys were sent to respondents via WhatsApp and then emailed via Google Forms links, after obtaining the respondents' consent over the phone. A simple percentage distribution was used to assess the learning loss of study participants. Students agreed on the research agenda and learning loss during the pandemic.

Brief sexuality-related communication (BSC) aims to identify current and potential sexual concerns and motivate those at risk to change their sexual behaviour or maintain safe sexual behaviour. BSC in primary health care can range from 5 to 60 minutes and takes into account biological, psychological and social dimensions of sexual health and wellbeing. It focuses on opportunistic rather than systematic or continuous communication and can be used in conjunction with already established prevention programs. The informational and motivational techniques of BSC enable health care providers to communicate more effectively with their patients, encouraging them to take steps to avoid HIV and sexually transmitted infections. The WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research, following a review and assessment of existing evidence with regards to BSC, has recently published the guideline on Brief Sexuality-Related Communication: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach.

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

Swachh Bharat Mission, a national level campaign, launched by the Government of India is a foremost step towards the protection of degrading environment. The objectives of the campaign include elimination of open defection, conversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging and above all to bring about a behavioral change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices and to ensure public participation in achieving these objectives. Globally, India continues to be the country with highest number of people practicing open defection. If Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is implemented properly with all its stakeholders taking their respective responsibilities, there is no wonder that one day India will become an open defection free country. A brief about this programme, objectives & components of funds allocation in various years in different activities and outcomes of Comptroller and Auditor General's report has been discussed in this paper. The result found in Joint field visit of CAG regarding non-avaibility of water connection and soak pit in 41 villages and 15 out 30 villages were not using toilets due to incomplete construction. Gujarat State has been declared Open defecation free in 2016-2017 by Hon. President of India.In this paper researcher will review Financial aspect of Swachh Bharat Mission-G of last five years i.e. 2014 to 2019 and Findings of Field visit reports of CAG with reference to proper utilization of funds and its effectiveness of Programme.

Issues surrounding experiences of widows across most third-world countries have fluctuated around care, either as an issue of human right or as privilege of culture. The issue urgently requires attention in areas of education as well as Social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) in order to manage with the aim of eliminating the injustices suffered by widows, particularly, in Nigeria. The propensity driving us to embark on this paper arises from the situation in which we have observed with regret, the statistics which reveals that globally about "115 million widows live in poverty, and 81 million have suffered physical abuse. The worldwide incidents of human rights violation of widows, such as disinheritance, denial of right to land and property of their dead spouses, absence of social safety nets and outright denial of sources of livelihood have been on the increase in Nigeria, whereas, indeed, No woman should lose her rights when she loses her husband." (www.naijaryders.com). In order therefore, to eliminate the injustices suffered by widows globally in general and Nigeria in particular, we propose that if education as well as social and behavior change communication (SBCC) are adequately directed to the appropriate audience, they could become panacea to the problem under investigation. We have employed as theoretical background, the social Connection Model as well as global care concept as approach in examining the role of education and Behaviour Change Communication in the elimination of harmful practices against widows in Nigeria. To provide empirical framework to the paper, a limited study was carried out in Utugwang, a small town in Nigeria. This quantitative and qualitative study explored the phenomenon of widowhood in its natural setting among the people of Utugwang, an ethnic group that form a part of Obudu Local Government Area in Nigeria. The aim is to interpret, understand and explain as well as bring meaning to the issue under discussion. An open-ended interview questionnaire and a focused group discussion were employed as research instruments to elicit responses and information from key informants. Seven basic questions were raised and responses from subjects were examined and analyzed by describing the conditions prior to and after intervention using the instruments of education and communication for social and behavior change brought about, mainly by the teachings of Christianity and conscious social awareness of global care concept of modern society. We believe that this could provide an opportunity to make comparisons using the baseline study and determine where regarding the issue of the condition of widows in Nigeria, there have been progress or lack of social and behavior change on the issue. A total of one hundred respondents representing the very senior age grades were interviewed. The result of the finding revealed that education and SBCC carried out mostly by churches, nongovernmental organization and the media of communication in the area have impacted positively on some efforts to eliminate the injustices suffered by widows in Nigeria. Consequently, among others, we recommend that government should make concerted effort to protect the rights of widows; while the danger of harmful treatment of widows should be introduced as civic education in Nigerian institutions of learning.

Background Across developing countries poor sanitation is associated with disease often found widespread in rural populations. Objectives This objective of this study was to conduct a formative research and feasibility evaluation of the behavioural intervention designed to improve latrine use in rural India. Methods Study conducted in four villages of Rajasthan, where latrine use is low and open defecation may spread disease. To identify the intervention a literature review was conducted, a survey of 497 households, and focus groups in village households (8–10 women and children). Seven focus groups with 63 women were conducted. Based on the survey results, the behaviour change intervention is developed utilising the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-behaviour model and MINDSPACE framework. One intervention component involves psychological aspects that engage villagers through a pledge; the other component is provision of small incentives to facilitate latrine use. Feasibility and a...

The study was intended to assess the applications of social marketing campaign in promotion of social ideas in Nigeria with focus on tax payment campaign. To advance this, the study looked at theoretical frameworks that best explain behavioural changes initiated by social campaign. Selected theories and models for this study are notion of exchange theory and theory of reasoned action. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of research to assess the selected campaign. In-depth interview (qualitative method of research) was utilized to solicit responses from organizers of the campaign, while questionnaires were deployed to generate data from target audience of the selected campaign. It was discovered during the study that the campaign was able to achieve its communication objectives of creating awareness about the proposed idea and was able to cultivate positive opinion and support from the audience for the campaign. According to the study, majority of the target audiences communicated their support for the campaign idea; hence, most of them have been paying their taxes. Another important fact established by the study was the combined use of both “positive and negative elements of appeals” by the organizers of the campaign (Lagos State Government). Also powerful influence of friends, relatives, business partners, societal and religious values also helped to influence the target audience in carrying out the proposed campaign idea. This study recommends among other things the need for further studies into the influence of societal and religious values in social marketing campaign.

Background: Young women in Kenya experience a higher risk of mistimed and unwanted pregnancy compared to older women. However, contraceptive use among youth remains low. Known barriers to uptake include side effects, access to commodities and partner approval. Methods: To inform a youth focussed behaviour change communication campaign, Population Services Kenya developed a qualitative study to better understand these barriers among young women. The study was carried out in Nyanza, Coast, and Central regions. Within these regions, urban or peri-urban districts were purposively selected based on having contraceptive prevalence rate close to the regional average and having a population with low socioeconomic profiles. In depth interviews were conducted with a sample of sexually active women aged 15-24, both users and non-users, that were drawn from randomly selected households. Results: All the respondents in the study were familiar with modern methods of contraception and most could describe their general mechanisms of action. Condoms were not considered as contraception by many users. Contraception was also associated with promiscuity and straying. Fear of side effects and adverse reactions were a major barrier to use. The biggest fear was that a particular method would cause infertility. Many fears were based on myths and misconceptions. Young women learn about both true side effects and myths from their social networks. Conclusion: Findings from this research confirm that awareness and knowledge of contraception do not necessarily translate to use. The main barriers to modern contraceptive uptake among young women are myths and misconceptions. The findings stress the influence of social network approval on the use of family planning, beyond the individual's beliefs. In such settings, family planning programming should engage with the wider community through mass and peer campaign strategies. As an outcome from this study, Population Services Kenya developed a mass media campaign to address key myths and misconceptions among youth.

My sincerest appreciation goes to my supervisors, Dr. Lawrence Ikamari and Mr. Andrew Mutuku for their patience, positive criticism, motivation and the guidance provided towards the completion of this project. My heartfelt thanks are due to all the PSRI lecturers for their tireless effort and guidance provided to me throughout the entire course. Special thanks to PSRI support staff whose help was invaluable towards the completion of this work. I am also deeply grateful to all my classmates whom we shared ideas and supported me throughout the course work and this project. I also express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Rhiannon James from UNICEF for providing me with MICS 2006 data for Somalia. Lastly but not the least, to all my family members, friends and colleagues from UNICEF Somalia office: Simon, Gina, Maureen and Austin for their encouragement and motivation provided towards the completion of this project.

Background In some areas of Uganda, village health workers (VHW) deliver Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) care, providing initial assessment of children under 5 years of age as well as protocol-based treatment of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea for eligible patients. Little is known about community perspectives on or satisfaction with iCCM care. This study examines usage of and satisfaction with iCCM care as well as potential associations between these outcomes and time required to travel to the household’s preferred health facility. Methods A cross-sectional household survey was administered in a rural subcounty in western Uganda during December 2016, using a stratified random sampling approach in villages where iCCM care was available. Households were eligible if the household contained one or more children under 5 years of age. Results A total of 271 households across 8 villages were included in the final sample. Of these, 39% reported that it took over an hour to re...

The present research uses a collective case study analysis to compare the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS public policy and culturally sensitive communication campaigns in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The first author conducted in-depth interviews with public policy officials to obtain unique insights into policy decisions in each country. Using the theory of diffusion of innovations to guide our analysis, three major concepts emerged as contributing to an effective campaign: Coordination of the dissemination of information with the social system, the time necessary for preventive messages to lead to the adoption of new practices, and the cultural compatibility and sensitivity of those messages. Unlike studies that rely on secondary research, this study contributes the perspective of policy makers to our understanding of public policy, the role of cultural sensitivity in health communication campaigns, and the organizational networks required for an effective multi-sectoral approach.

At the core of the knowledge inquiry about behavioural differences is the nature versus nurture debate which has been central to the development of various theories of human personality. The metaphor of a pendulum, swinging back and forth between nature and nurture, has been used to depict the opinion of scholars and practitioners in the social sciences and psychology in this debate. Nature / Nurture debate seeks to proffer answers to the following questions: why do people differ significantly in temperament, approach to challenges and level of intelligence even when they are siblings sharing from the same pool of genes? The debate also seeks to understand why people with different genetic trait behave alike within a group. How does our physical environment affect human behaviour and what role does communication play in the development of human personality? In the context of street children in Nigeria, should we attribute human personality to nature or nurture? These are issues this...

The present research uses a collective case study analysis to compare the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS public policy and culturally sensitive communication campaigns in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The first author conducted in-depth interviews with public policy officials to obtain unique insights into policy decisions in each country. Using the theory of diffusion of innovations to guide our analysis, three major concepts emerged as contributing to an effective campaign: Coordination of the dissemination of information with the social system, the time necessary for preventive messages to lead to the adoption of new practices, and the cultural compatibility and sensitivity of those messages. Unlike studies that rely on secondary research, this study contributes the perspective of policy makers to our understanding of public policy, the role of cultural sensitivity in health communication campaigns, and the organizational networks required for an effective multi-sectoral approach.

Safe water is one of the most important felt needs in public health in 1 developing countries in the twenty first century. The year 2005 marked the beginning of the "International Decade for Action: Water for Life" and renewed effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to reduce by half the proportion of the world's population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 2 2015. It is estimated by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) that 1.1 billion people lack access to improved water supplies and 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation3. In India around 37.7 million people are affected by waterborne diseases annually, 1.5 million children are estimated to die of diarrhoea alone and 73 million working days are lost due to waterborne disease each year4. The resulting economic 4 burden is estimated at $600 million a year. Diarrheal morbidity can be reduced by an average of 6-20 per cent with improvements in water supply and by 32 per cent with improvements in sanitation5. In India, approximately 72.7 per cent of the rural population does not use any method of water disinfection and 74 per 6 cent have no sanitary toilets. Open air defecation, a common practice among villagers, may lead to contamination of the water supply system 7,8 and result in outbreaks of diarrhoeal disease. The practice of tethering animals close to human dwellings and the consequent proximity to animal faecal matter further enhances the risk of 9 , 1 0 contamination of drinking water. The key to providing microbiologically safe drinking water lies in understanding the various mechanisms by which water gets contaminated, and formulating interventions at critical points to decrease and prevent contamination 11 of drinking water. The government has undertaken various programmes since independence to provide safe drinking water to the rural masses4. "Access to improved water source" is defined as the percentage of population with access to an improved drinking water source in a given 12 year. "Access to improved sanitation" is defined as the percentage of 12 population with access to improved sanitation in a given year. Improved drinking water sources are defined in terms of the types of technology and levels of services that are more likely to provide safe 12 water than unimproved technologies. Improved water sources include household connections, public standpipes, bore wells, 12 protected dug wells, protected springs, and rainwater collections. Improved sanitation facilities are defined in terms of the types of technology and levels of services that are more likely to be sanitary than unimproved technologies. Improved sanitation includes connection to a public sewers, connection to septic systems, pour-flush 12 latrines, simple pit latrines and ventilated improved pit latrines. There is dearth of knowledge regarding access to safe water and sanitation facilities in developing countries especially in rural areas. This study aims to answer some basic questions pertaining to the drinking water practices and sanitation facilities in an urbanised village of West Bengal. OBJECTIVES: To identify sources of drinking water to households in an urbanised village of West Bengal and to assess access to Background: Safe and improved water is one of the most important felt needs in public health in developing countries. In India around 37.7 million people are affected by waterborne diseases annually, 1.5 million children are estimated to die of diarrhoea alone. Diarrheal morbidity can be reduced upto 6-20 percent with improvements in water supply and by 32 per cent with improvements in sanitation. Objectives: To identify sources of drinking water to households in an urbanised village of West Bengal and to assess access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities among the households of that village. Materials and Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out using an interview schedule developed by WHO/UNICEF joint monitoring programme for water supply and sanitation among the households by total enumeration method in Lalgola village in November 2019. Result: 100% of the households have access to safe and improved water facility. Among them 42% of the houses had piped water supply in the dwelling /yard/plot. 63.7% used some method of purification of drinking water and 7.3% households used packaged drinking water which was already purified. Improved sanitary toilet facility was present in 54.1% of households but only 14.5% of the toilets were situated inside the house. More than two third (76.6%) households disposed the faeces of children less than 3years old into the open field. Conclusion: All the households in the village studied had access to safe and improved water supply but almost half of them did not have improved sanitary toilet facility.

The present research uses a collective case study analysis to compare the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS public policy and culturally sensitive communication campaigns in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The first author conducted in-depth interviews with public policy officials to obtain unique insights into policy decisions in each country. Using the theory of diffusion of innovations to guide our analysis, three major concepts emerged as contributing to an effective campaign: Coordination of the dissemination of information with the social system, the time necessary for preventive messages to lead to the adoption of new practices, and the cultural compatibility and sensitivity of those messages. Unlike studies that rely on secondary research, this study contributes the perspective of policy makers to our understanding of public policy, the role of cultural sensitivity in health communication campaigns, and the organizational networks required for an effective multi-sectoral approach.

1. Introduction Health care associated infections persist as a major problem in young children. Hand hygiene has been singled out as the most important measure in preventing school-acquired infection. However, hand hygiene compliance among preschoolers remains low (Barbara CC et al; 2004). In developing countries like India, malnutrition and infection are major factors that adversely affect the optimal growth and development of children. Diseases related to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene are a huge burden too. It is estimated that 88% of diarrhoeal disease is caused by unsafe water supply, and inadequate sanitation and hygiene (WHO, 2004). Children coming to many state run schools come from communities that have a high prevalence of diseases caused by inadequate or unsafe water intake, sanitation and hygiene. All these reasons are enough to make teaching learning process difficult in classrooms for young children. Many researchers have found that knowledge of hygiene does not directly link to its practice in day to day life and that effective behaviour change which should be more than just communication of information is required. For young children it can work more effectively as once they integrate hygiene practices in their daily life they can bring change in their families and community as these would remain forever with them. Personal hygiene refers to the cleanliness and proper grooming of the body. Not only it improves appearance but also protects an individual from various infections and diseases. Osborne (2008) said that "when you tell a good story, you can frame important messages in ways that make them memorable for your listeners." This brings about factual information in a way that is quickly and easily perceived by the listeners. Benefits of storytelling for and by children can be cognitive, social and emotional. "The oral forms of communication are rich in mnemonic devices that enrich children with useful strategies for intellectual enhancement and knowledge building" (Singh, 2005). In my work with children in primary classrooms (Rangila & Behari, 2015), I found that a classroom environment provided children opportunities to try out social roles and storytelling is used as a way in which experiential learning is incorporated into formal learning environment effortlessly. Storytelling promoted (5 I's) Initiative taking, Imagination, Innovation, Interest & is Interactive. It further gave opportunities for cognitive (3 E's) Exploration, Experimentation & Experience to children in varying ways. Hence storytelling can function in a dual mode for both teaching and bringing about change. This 'hope' in the following study was to bring about change in the practices of maintaining personal hygiene among primary school children.

The issue of domestic violence against women has gained traction among women, legislators, mass communication scholars, the United Nations Organization; non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organization (CSO), feminist groups such as the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), etc. Globally, about 30% of women are thought to have experienced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. In Nigeria, the problem of domestic violence has assumed heightened proportions recently, so much so that it is a major public health problem that not only affects, but concerns millions of women, youths and adolescents in the country. Often, domestic violence in Nigeria results to physical and emotional injuries and sometimes, death. Using an explanatory method, this paper seeks to examine behaviour change communication and its role in the reduction of domestic violence in rural communities. It aims to present a critical identification, classification and analyses of types of domestic violence in Nigeria; critically analyse the role of Behaviour Change Communication in the reduction if not elimination of domestic violence in the rural communities in Nigeria; proffer solutions on the role of the society as a whole, and the state in particular in combating domestic violence in the rural communities. The recommendations made in this paper have policy implications in combating domestic violence in the country.

Brief sexuality-related communication (BSC) aims to identify current and potential sexual concerns and motivate those at risk to change their sexual behaviour or maintain safe sexual behaviour. BSC in primary health care can range from 5 to 60 minutes and takes into account biological, psychological and social dimensions of sexual health and wellbeing. It focuses on opportunistic rather than systematic or continuous communication and can be used in conjunction with already established prevention programs. The informational and motivational techniques of BSC enable health care providers to communicate more effectively with their patients, encouraging them to take steps to avoid HIV and sexually transmitted infections. The WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research, following a review and assessment of existing evidence with regards to BSC, has recently published the guideline on Brief Sexuality-Related Communication: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach.

In 2014, the Indian Government embarked on a major programme to end open defecation. The government allocated significant public funds to ensure that the goal is reached by the year 2019. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) programme for rural sanitation is ambitious and probably no government has ever attempted to tackle sanitation at this scale and with such a large financial commitment. The main objectives of this paper are to assess sufficiency of financial commitments for SBM and to review efficiency and effectiveness in fund utilization against its stated objectives. In a large country like India, the programme achievements are not even. Some states are on track while others will need more attention and more funds to ensure that the goal is reached by 2019. An important challenge is to ensure sustainability of open defecation free (ODF) villages and communities. Supplementing public finance with innovative financing is needed to ensure that lack of finance does not become a constraint in achieving the ODF status and to ensure sustainability.

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

Introduction A person's behaviour is how they act or carry themselves, particularly about other people (Lexico, 2020). Another way of defining a person's behaviour is what they do to either create an event, alter an existing situation, or remain unchanged (NSW Health, 2020). This behaviour is affected by internal and external factors. The internal factors are knowledge, attitude, perceived risk, consequences, self-efficacy, personal advocacy, perceived social norms, and emotions. The external factors are access, policy, and culture. Health communication is the study of communication methods, as well as their application, with the goal of informing and influencing choices and activities that will promote health. (CDC, 2020). Strategic health communication means using different communication methods and techniques for the purpose of advancing health promotion, disease prevention, and enhancing health outcomes and behaviours within both individual and communal contexts. The primary elements of strategic health communications are Advocacy, Social Mobilization, Behaviour Development Communication and Behaviour Change Communication. Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) can be described as an interactive process that involves engaging with communities in order to create customised messages and strategies utilising diverse communication channels. The primary objective of BCC is to cultivate positive behaviours, facilitate and uphold individual, community, and societal behaviour change, as well as encourage the maintenance of appropriate behaviours (FHI 2002). UNFPA (2002) refers to BCC as a dynamic process including the implementation of interventions aimed at people, groups, or communities. The primary objective of BCC is to cultivate effective communication methods that encourage the adoption of beneficial behaviours that align with specific contexts. By doing so, BCC endeavours to address the most urgent global health challenges. Consequently, this fosters a conducive atmosphere that empowers individuals to commence, maintain, and perpetuate favourable and wanted behavioural consequences. Behaviour change communication refers to the deliberate and planned use of communication techniques to facilitate the attainment of favourable health outcomes. This approach is grounded on established theories as well as models of behaviour change that have shown efficacy. (CDC 2018).

In addition to an overview of the background and history, this article will consider Timor-Leste's progress through public laws, its judicial independence and the role of customary law. We conclude that access to justice through effective investigation, charging, legal advice and judicial training is absolutely vital for the protection, health and positioning of women and girls in any future economic prosperity for Timor-Leste. Finally, some policy recommendations are made.

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This paper focuses on an Immersive Research Approach designed by Praxis, IDS and WaterAid whereby researchers lived in villages in recently declared open defecation free districts, to gain an in-depth understanding of ground realities and community perspectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin. The study shed light on key aspects and dynamics influencing local ownership, behaviour change and construction quality, and also revealed multifaceted exclusion processes. The immersive approach helped build trust with villagers and allowed a unique insight into the SBM in its ‘real life’ context, necessary to explore hidden dynamics and diverse perspectives, and understand the complexities involved. Despite some practical challenges, undertaking immersive studies and experiences would be beneficial for improving the Swachh Bharat Mission and other sanitation programmes. The approach could be adopted pragmatically, but always respecting some basic principles and ethical behavior.

Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, little is known about how best to encourage fathers to support breastfeeding. A quasi-experimental study of a community-based intervention was designed to examine whether health education to promote fathers' involvement in supporting women is associated with early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding practices. At baseline, 802 couples of fathers with pregnant wives from 12 to 27 weeks of gestational age were recruited to either the intervention group (n = 390) or a control group (n = 412) consisting of couples seeking care through routine maternal and child health services. Fathers in the intervention area received breastfeeding education and counselling services in health facilities and at home visits during the antenatal,

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

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This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

Assessing the Organic Image of Potential Tourists towards NorthEastern Nigeria as a Tourism Destination 1. Introduction Image has for long been an important topic and has been seen in different perspectives, for example, Etchner and Ritchie (1991) found that an image of a destination includes its potentials, features, all-inclusive, useful, emotional, common and unique segment. It means that destination image involves certain physical appearances on existing and potential attractions; and portrays the impression of a prospective visitor about a particular tourism destination. So, convincing massages play vital roles in enlightening potential tourists about a destination's outlook. While, Croy and Wheeler (2010) refers to destination image as an image of a place; different studies see it is a vital issue in present day tourism (for example,

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

Background: Seasonal variation affects food availability. However, it is not clear if it affects dietary intake and nutritional status of children in Vietnam. Objectives: This paper aims at examining the seasonal variation in nutrition status and dietary intake of children aged 24Á59 months. Design: A repeated cross-sectional study design was used to collect data of changes in nutritional status and diets of children from 24 to 59 months through four seasons in Chiem Hoa district, Tuyen Quang province, a predominately rural mountainous province of northern Vietnam. The quantitative component includes anthropometric measurements, 24 hours dietary recall and socioeconomic characteristics. The qualitative component was conducted through focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers of the children surveyed in the quantitative component. The purpose of FGDs was to explore the food habits of children during the different seasons and the behaviours of their mothers in relation to the food that they provide during these seasons. Results: The prevalence of underweight among children aged 24Á59 months is estimated at around 20Á25%; it peaked in summer (24.9%) and reached a low in winter (21.3%). The prevalence of stunting was highest in summer (29.8%) and lowest in winter (22.2%). The prevalence of wasting in children was higher in spring and autumn (14.3%) and lower in summer (9.3%). Energy intake of children was highest in the autumn (1259.3 kcal) and lowest in the summer (996.9 kcal). Most of the energy and the nutrient intakes during the four seasons did not meet the Vietnamese National Institute of Nutrition recommendation. Conclusions: Our study describes some seasonal variation in nutrition status and energy intake among children in a mountainous area northern Vietnam. Our study indicated that the prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in summer and autumn, while the prevalence of wasting was higher in spring and autumn. Energy intake did not always meet national recommendations, especially in summer.

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

This study is aimed at investigating the level of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in the Nigerian Construction Industry; determine the prospects with respect to benefits, costs, risks and research and development needs and to make recommendations on possible interventions. Relevant literature on studies done in other counties and in Nigeria as well was reviewed. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and administered to the respondents (construction industry professional) for data collection and analysis. A total of 63 respondents to a questionnaire survey most of which were construction companies provided empirical data for the analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that Nigerian Construction Industry has not fully appreciated the value of ICT and the impact of its use on the productivity value chain management. This delay in ICT uptake in Nigerian construction industry is limiting advances in construction quality, cost efficiencies and competitiveness ...

The importance of visuals in communication has positively transformed the pattern of information dissemination to the media audience. In behaviour change communication, visuals have a greater percentage of relevancy in persuading, educating, and informing people to adopt a particular behaviour that the communicator wants them to achieve. However, this paper tries to examine the importance of visuals in behaviour change communication. In order to point out the different significances that visuals have on behavior change communication, this study reviewed some of the research work of other scholars that is related to the importance of visuals in behavior change communication. Although most of the related studies on behavior change communication are channeled towards health messages, they still communicate the essence of visuals in the message they are sending the public on how to adopt particular lifestyles, behaviors, and attitudes. Moreover, the study revealed the numerous relevance of visuals in behavior change communication. Ranging from credibility, memorability, persuasion, and persuasion to evocation, Also, the study analyzed the different definitions of the two major concepts of this study, which are behavior change communication and visual communication. The outcome of this study finally revealed that visuals serve as the hallmark of effective communication, not only in behaviuor change communication but also in other forms of communication. Therefore, it is recommended that visuals be employed in the dissemination of information, especially if it's a message about behavior change, in order to communicate the whole intention of the communicator to the public.

The intention of Behavior Change Communication is to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that positively affect their lives. This can be achieved by providing them with information about the benefits of a particular behavior, as well as the risks associated with unhealthy or negative behaviors. BCC also aims to motivate individuals to take action and make positive changes, by using persuasive communication techniques such as social norms, peer pressure, and incentives. BCC helps to promote health, social and economic development, and other positive outcomes at both the individual and community levels. By providing individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make positive changes, BCC can help to prevent and manage health problems such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and malnutrition. It can also help to promote economic development by encouraging individuals to adopt productive and sustainable behaviors, such as saving money or adopting environmentally-friendly practices.

The intention of Behavior Change Communication is to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that positively affect their lives. This can be achieved by providing them with information about the benefits of a particular behavior, as well as the risks associated with unhealthy or negative behaviors. BCC also aims to motivate individuals to take action and make positive changes, by using persuasive communication techniques such as social norms, peer pressure, and incentives. BCC helps to promote health, social and economic development, and other positive outcomes at both the individual and community levels. By providing individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make positive changes, BCC can help to prevent and manage health problems such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and malnutrition. It can also help to promote economic development by encouraging individuals to adopt productive and sustainable behaviors, such as saving money or adopting environmentally-friendly practices.

These pages discuss the behavioral issues and a range of key determinants for major audiences in each child survival area. They attempt to share some of what has already been learned and published about "what works," innovations that have been tried at smaller scale, and perspectives about critical gaps and promising areas for new communication strategies. This research explore the teachers opinions on the use of visual aids (e.g., pictures, animation videos, projectors and films) as a motivational tool in enhancing students' attention in reading literary texts. To accomplish the aim of the research, the closed ended questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The targeted population for this research was the staffs and students of the public and private educational institutions of District Dera Ghazi Khan. In this research the primary data was used for gathering information. The collected data is analyzed through the SPSS software and also data was represented in the percentage distribution of pie, line, and bar graphs. The analysis of the data indicated that the majority of the teachers and students had positive perceptions of the use of visual aids.