Communication Action Groups: Promoting Broader Discussion of Reproductive Health

In 1996, the REWARD Project identified a need for effective interventions to increase women’s communication about reproductive health among themselves and with their husbands. Project staff formed women’s groups, called Communication Action Groups (CAGs), in three rural districts. The project provides group leaders with training on communication, leadership, group dynamics, condom use, condom negotiating skills, and HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CAG program so that achievements and problems could be identified and program activities strengthened. Specifically, it investigated women’s ability to communicate about reproductive health issues with each other and with their spouses. [from introduction]