“Am nañu ligeey:” Cultural acceptability and behavior change theory in Senegalese sensibilisation programs
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Authors
Turke, Shani Rose
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
A review of select Senegalese health statistics may portray an encouraging reality
compared to other countries in West Africa. Life expectancy at birth is higher in Senegal
than in other West African countries, and HIV prevalence is low. Further investigation,
however, reveals significant reproductive health concerns, particularly for unmarried
youth. Urbanization has changed sexual behaviors, while stigmas surrounding sex
continue to create barriers to education. Reproductive health education programs have
established culturally appropriate education programs to improve health. This research
investigates two such programs in Dakar, l’Association pour le Bien-Etre Familial, and
l’Association des Femmes de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (AFAO). Through observation and
interviews with program organizers, this research found that ASBEF and AFAO
programs address reproductive health concerns for youth and women while taking into
account cultural mores. This study also demonstrated that sensibilisation programs mirror
elements of the Health Belief Model and Ecological Systems Theory. However, gender
inequality is multidimensional, and these programs do not sufficiently address the
inequality that limits women’s preventative strategies. While behavior change theory has
been extensively applied in analyzing health programs, few studies simultaneously
investigate culture’s role. This research sheds light on how organizations targeting
reproductive health in Senegal create effective education programming by taking into
consideration cultural structures. Further research is needed to better understand how
similar sensibilisation programs in Dakar and throughout Senegal operate to improve
reproductive health.
Description
118 p.
Citation
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U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.