Unit 3: Interpersonal communication and Health

Aim of the unit:

The purpose of this course unit is to provide you tools that will enable you to support individuals and communities in the decision - making process for behavior change for a better Health status.

Topics to cover:

 .  Concepts of Health Education  and Health Communication.

 .  Communication process.

 .  Behavior Change.

Intended learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course unit, you will be able to :

-  Explain the role of Health Communication / Health Education in the process of addressing the main Health issues in Rwanda.

-  Explain the communication process.

-  Assess a Health Communication session done by a Health care provider in the Health Facilities aiming at triggering behavior change.

Duration of the course unit:

15 Hours.

Learning resources:                 

1  Ministry of Health ( 2006 ):

National Behaviour Change Communication Policy for Health Sector.

July, 1 doc. 40 p.

2. Ministère de la Santé ( 2003 ) :

Stratégie Nationale de  Communication pour Changement de Comportement dans le domaine de la Santé,2003-2007.

Domaines prioritaires en Santé.

3. Guy Bessette ( 2004 ):

Communication et participation communautaire.

Guide pratique de communication  participative pour le développement.

Presses de l’Université de Laval.

4. CNLS ( 2005 ) :

Cadre Stratégique National du Rwanda en Communication pour Changement de Comportement en matière du VIH/SIDA/IST, 2005-2009.

Learning e-tivities

Through the active discussion forum, you will demonstrate the main idea retained on how the main Health issues in Rwanda can be addressed through Health Communication.

Through the active discussion forum, you will explain: how the communication is done, the ways used in Health Communication, activities covered within the Health Communication modes.

Through the active discussion forum, you will explain the scientific foundation of Behavior Change, Behavior Change process, the Behavior Change steps.

 Interpersonal Communication  and Health : Notes.

Please read carefully these notes.