Implementation research methods: an extension tool in health education and information

Abstract

Mozambique has high maternal and new-born mortality rates. The Alert Community for a Prepared Hospital care continuum project is an implementation research, aiming to reduce maternal and new-born mortality rates in Natikiri, Nampula, and Northern Mozambique. Target groups (women, adolescents, heads of families, religious leaders, community leaders, traditional midwives, counsellors of initiation rites, traditional healers, secondary school pupils and teachers) were submitted to repeated intermediate evaluations (surveys, interviews and focus groups discussions), improving knowledge, attitude and practice on sexual and reproductive health and rights and family planning. Implementation research methods were an efficient extension tool in population health education and health and educational professionals vocational training.