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Bolivian Mothers Clubs as Media: Building on Community‐Based Networks *
Author(s) -
Aguilar Ana Maria,
Schaeffer Curt,
Spain Peter L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-0361.1988.tb00299.x
Subject(s) - club , public relations , mass media , dissemination , health education , health information , information sharing , information dissemination , community health , community education , business , medicine , political science , economic growth , nursing , health care , advertising , public health , economics , world wide web , computer science , law , anatomy
Because of the high infant mortality rate in Bolivia, health officials sought an effective method of distributing information about oral‐rehy‐dration therapy (ORT). Capitalizing on the existence of a network of “mothers clubs” throughout the country, an attempt was made to transform these units from passive recipients of surplus food to active agents of health education. These efforts to disseminate information and supplies through the education of local community leaders were combined with mass media strategies to form a coordinated information and delivery system. Preliminary evaluations suggest that the effort was successful in increasing the awareness of the ORT therapy among participants, their knowledge about the consequences of ORT use, and the availability of ORT supplies. Moreover, informed club members were found to be sharing their knowledge with non‐member mothers. The implications of this strategy for other health education efforts are discussed.