USAID finalises five-year social behaviour change research
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it has finalised its five-year social behaviour change research activity- Breakthrough Research Nigeria. This was contained in a statement obtained by newsmen on Tuesday.
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According to the statement, a day was devoted to disseminating best practices and lessons learnt on factors that influence the adoption and practice of health behaviors.
Since its inception in Nigeria since 2019, Breakthrough Research Nigeria has made significant contributions to shaping the implementation and adaptation of USAID-funded SBC interventions in the country.
The studies also addressed a range of behaviors such as antenatal care attendance, use of child spacing methods, use of insecticide-treated nets, and infant breastfeeding in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states respectively.
According to the USAID/Nigeria Deputy Mission Director, Sara Werth, in her opening remarks said, “We are proud that the Breakthrough Research activity generated valuable insights that will continue to influence programmes and investments in newborn and child health, nutrition, family planning, reproductive health, and malaria in Nigeria” she added.
Furthermore, the studies examined behavioral trends among a consistent sample of approximately 3,000 women with children under the age of two, and their spouses, within wards targeted for SBC programme intervention in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
The studies however found that using an integrated behaviour change approach improved prompt treatment for fever, the uptake of malaria tests, and an increase in treatment adherence.
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