Program P

Online portal to train health workers in Brazil to engage men in prenatal care and childbirth.

At a Glance

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http://men-care.org/

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About This Innovation

Innovation Stats

Innovation Type: 
App/Platform
Innovation Stage: 
Stage 2: Research & Development
Country Created In: 
Brazil
Country Implemented In: 
Brazil
Related Programs: 
Development Innovation Ventures (DIV)
Sector: 
Gender
Behavioral and Social Change
Health
Maternal & Female Health & Safety
Topic: 
Gender-based Violence

Status Update

Previous programs have been subject to quasi‐experimental evaluation studies with young and adult men in 9 settings (Mexico, Brazil, the Balkans, Ethiopia, India and Chile). 8/9 Program H evaluation studies found evidence of attitude and behavior change compared to no or negative change in control groups, including changes in attitudes associated with GBV, HIV prevention and SRH. Similarly, a quasi‐experimental evaluation of the children: Subjects of Rights Intervention
found changes in attitudes associated with the use of violence against children.

How it Works

Research suggests that engaging men during pre-natal visits can be an effective strategy that leads to multiple benefits, including reduced domestic violence, and eventually, decreased childhood behavioral problems. Program P is a low-cost, online portal that would public health workers to engage men in pre-natal care and childbirth. This group education model would be accessible to health workers and eventually expectant couples, via cellular phones, which are highly prevalent in Brazil, and would focus on violence prevention and birth-preparedness.

Current Users / Testers Include

Primary: Public health workers in Brazil
Secondary: Couples accessing health services

Strategy for expanding use of your innovation

  • A 25% decline in men’s use of violence against women during pregnancy and one year following the birth of a child.
  • A 25% decline in violence against children.
  • A 20% increase in men’s time dedicated to caregiving activities for children
  • A 50% increase in men’s support of contraceptive use; and
  • A 50% increase in men’s knowledge of and awareness of maternal danger signs.

Next Steps

Phase 1 funding will be used to pilot, test, and rigorously evaluate the low cost training module "Program P" in Rio de Janiero.