title: Nutri-action analysis as a research strategy to improve nutrition information, education and communication interventions in Asia.
abstract: What is lacking in nutrition information, education and communication (IEC) work today is accurate knowledge about the processes which bring about beneficial nutritional behavior changes. In this paper, Nutri-action Analysis is proposed as a mechanism for nutrition planners to gain this knowledge and seek ways to improve the effectiveness of nutrition IEC interventions. It suggests that a more holistic and dynamic approach is necessary to conceptualize nutrition IEC and increase its effectiveness in bringing about changes in behaviors which lead to nutritional status improvement. Nutri-Action Analysis, as a research strategy, is illustrated by a three-stage procedure: (i) pre-action, (ii) action, and (iii) post-action. This process leads investigators to begin conducting a macro-analysis of nutrition IEC in general and within their specific contexts in order to understand the system and identify the best approach to be adopted for a nutrition IEC intervention in their particular context. What is discovered should then be tested in a community-based operational research study using both quantitative and qualitative data so that it is possible to subsequently conduct a synthesis focusing on process determinants.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smitasiri
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhanamitta
mesh_terms: D001208:Asia; D003142:Communication; D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012107:Research Design