Research Paper of Dr. Anindya Deb published in Health Communication International Journal

Infant nutrition is still a major health issue in many developing countries of the world. Health literacy plays an important role in ensuring proper nutrition to infants. Dr. Anindya Deb, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mass Communication and Media of CUSB and his research scholar Dr. Ayush Anand, during their research, developed a communication method through participatory rural communication evaluation which was effective in strengthening infant nutrition health literacy among the deprived sections of rural areas. After a rigorous review of the quality of this research, it was published in the world-famous journal Health Communication, Taylor & Francis, Routledge. This research was done in Siadih village of Gaya district.

According to Dr. Anindya, the objective of this research is to strengthen health literacy in rural communities and strengthen the voice of the weaker sections. Dr. Anindya told that participatory rural communication evaluation is a method in which the researcher works as a team with the villagers. Ensuring equal participation of villagers in every process from defining the problems to finding their solutions and resolving them is the main objective of the researcher. The creators of this method firmly believe that no one can understand the problems of villagers and underprivileged sections better than them, hence the proper solution can be obtained from them only. 

Dr. Ayush said that through this research we have tried to know how health awareness can be strengthened by preparing communication strategies at the grassroots level. I am proud that this study has been published in a reputed international journal." Dr. Ayush said that during this research, the participating group created a unique communication strategy by incorporating health information related to infant feeding and nutrition in Sohar songs. After this, it was presented on many platforms in a planned manner, which resulted in empowerment of deprived communities and significant improvement in many indicators of their health literacy. The findings of this research will not only benefit the academic world, but it can also prove to be a guide for policy makers and health experts. This study makes it clear that by making local communities partners in communication, positive changes can be brought about in their health-related understanding and behaviour.