Effectiveness of behaviour change communication interventions in improving the delivery of health messages for ante-Natal care in limited literacy settings

Abstract

This evidence summary aimed to synthesize the evidence on effectiveness of different behavior change communication interventions to increase pregnant women’s coverage for antenatal (ANC) health check-ups and to increase uptake of health services offered during ANC. The evidence summary is designed to provide an overview of the key evidence discussed in systematic reviews, to assist policy-makers and researchers in assessing effective behavior change communication interventions for improving pregnant women’s ANC coverage and uptake of ANC services. Receiving appropriate antenatal care is considered a foundation of maternal and child health. In many low and middle income countries and especially in the South Asia region, ANC coverage and uptake of ANC services is lower, resulting in high maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality. Identifying and implementing effective interventions is important. This report was commissioned under the Department for International Development’s Systematic Review Programme for South Asia