Steps to Behavior Change

The Steps to Behavior Change (SBC) model identifies intermediate program effects and specifies indicators to measure as the process unfolds towards its final outcome, sustained behavior change. The measurement of intermediate steps or subindicators provides opportunities for early assessment in time for corrective action by program managers. This measurement includes assessing the process of institutionalizing IEC among local counterpart organizations. At the same time, CCP research will explore the links between individual behavior change and the larger societal environment to identify barriers to behavior change and to design ways to overcome these barriers.

The basic impact indicators that CCP uses are indicators of individual behavior change through each step, changes in knowledge, approval, intention, practice, and advocacy with subindicators specific for each intervention. They apply to all types of interventions and correspond in large measure to current Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data and revisions to DHS proposed by CCP.

Knowledge

• Recalls specific messages
• Understands what messages means
• Can name products, methods, or other practices and/or sources of services/supplies

Approval

• Responds favorably to messages
• Discusses messages or issues with members of personal networks (family, friends).
• Thinks family, friends, and community approve of practice
• Approves practice

Intention

• Recognizes that specified health practices can meet a personal need
• Intends to consult a provider
• Intends to practice at some time

Practice

• Goes to a provider of information/supplies/services
• Chooses a method or practice and begins use
• Continues use

Advocacy

• Experiences and acknowledges the benefits of practice
• Advocates the practice to others
• Supports programs in the community