Page 67 - strategy of health education

III. Age difference

Age difference between the sender and receiver is a barrier to effective

communication. For example, if the sender is young, inexperienced and not

knowledgeable the audience may not give proper attention resulting in a

communication barrier.

IV. Attitudes and Beliefs

 Cultural beliefs of a people influence the rate at which they accept and adopt

new ideas and skills. Normally the beliefs of a community may dictate what

foods should be given to children and their related taboos.

 In such circumstances, it will be very difficult for a health worker to convince

the mothers to feed their children on certain food despite their nutritional

values.

 For this reason, it is necessary for the health extension workers to be aware of

the attitudes and beliefs of the communities they are working with.

How to overcome barriers of communication

The sender must know his/her audience’s:

 Background

 Age and sex

 Social status

 Education

 Job/work

 Interests/problems/needs

 Language

The messages must be:

 Timely

 Meaningful/relevant

 Applicable to the situation

66