Identifying effective communication channels in a rural community: A field report from south India

Ramachandran, Rajeswari and Jaggarajamma, K and Muniyandi, M and Balasubramanian, Rani (2006) Identifying effective communication channels in a rural community: A field report from south India. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, 53 (4). pp. 206-211. ISSN 0019-5705

Preview

PDF 200643.pdf - Published Version Download (31kB)

Abstract

Background: There is scarcity of information on communication channels in rural areas where about 38% of people are illiterate. Objective: To identify the channels of communication available in rural areas by interviewing key informants. Method: This study was conducted in 51 villages of Ellapuram block, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu in the year 2004. Key informants selected from the villages were interviewed by a Medical Social Worker. The questionnaire included information on modes of communication channels, availability of markets, public facilities, and local associations. Result: The study block included 9893 households covering a population of 39255. Their main occupation was agriculture (86%). Electricity was available in all the villages. More than 80% of the villagers had community TV/cable connections, >50% of the villages had cinema star fan associations, mahila mandals, youth clubs, self-help groups, anganwadi centres and ration shops. The main source of communication as per interview was television (100%), wallposters (55%); publicity through panchayat office meetings (53%) and dandora or beat of drums(43%). Conclusion: Main communication channels, commonly used to disseminate information were TV and wall posters. More than 50% of villages had local associations which can be used for effective communication. This information is vital for disseminating important information on public health programmes and educating the rural community.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Communication channels, Rural community, IEC, India
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Clinical Research
Divisions:	Clinical Research
Depositing User:	Dr. Rathinasabapati R
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2013 10:14
Last Modified:	09 Mar 2016 06:21
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/771

Actions (login required)

View Item