Assessing Social Norms, Health Behavior, and Change Using Visually Informed Participatory Research Tools: Social Network Mapping and 2x2 Tables

Abstract

Participatory research can be used in conjunction with quantitative, other qualitative, and mixed methods research methods to collaboratively address priority global health issues that are greatly influenced by social norms. Social norms have been identified as key components of deeply held beliefs that perpetuate as well as change detrimental health practices. At all levels of global health research, from program development to monitoring and evaluation, participatory tools can be used to honor the ethic of working with the target population, incorporating their needs, and engaging a community to improve health-related behaviors. This paper shows how to use two visually based participatory tools to impact social and behavior change around Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). Both FGM and MHM have been identified as critical to UNICEF’s Child Protection and to meeting the United Nations Global Sustainability Goals. We also outline how Social Network Mapping and 2x2 Tables were implemented to address complex social norms around FMG and MHM. The discussion then illustrates how they have been used within research and program development more broadly. These tools are valuable methods to understand and impact social and behavior change in a wide variety of public health issues.