Nothing to sneeze at : integrating research into the Honduran ARI communication program

This paper documents a pilot program in Honduras to teach mothers and other caretakers to recognize and respond appropriately to ARI symptoms. The body of the paper details the design and implementation of the program"s research strategy; results are presented extensively in appendices. The program"s communication strategy employed face-to-face interaction between mothers and health workers, reinforced by printed materials and radio spots. Health workers were encouraged to use a "skills" rather than a didactic approach to ARI awareness, and urged to become more involved in ARI-related activities. The crux of the skills approach involved question and answer sessions between health workers and mothers in which proper ARI responses were reinforced; these sessions culminated in a special "contest" in which prizes were awarded to correct respondents. The program increased the communications skills of health workers and provided mothers more information on ARI than had previous sessions at clinics. Overall community awareness of ARI symptoms and management, even among mothers not directly participating in educational sessions, also showed an increasing trend.