Interpersonal Communication Toolkit

Chapter 2: Introduction to IPC (Continued)

What is Interpersonal Communication?

Interpersonal Communication (IPC) focuses on one-on-one interactions that address the underlying causes of risk taking and specific barriers to behavior change. IPC programs take into consideration the context in which risk occurs and work at the individual or small-group level to create new understandings, increase self efficacy, and ultimately create positive behavior change. The justification for IPC is that its' human, personal and targeted methods will better enhance behavior change than mass media interventions by addressing issues/context surrounding a given risky behavior (e.g.: decision making or condom negotiation). What defines any IPC method is the level of targeted and individual attention given to each participant and to each behavior change factor.

IPC programs are a proven [PDF] methodology for accessing and addressing those who are hard to reach [PDF]. This is because risky behaviors exhibited by members of high risk groups may marginalize them from the mainstream population, requiring more highly focused intervention strategies. When added to an existing intervention, IPC increases program intensity because it adds another channel and it increases duration because the average length of exposure during an IPC session is much longer than exposure from other media.

IPC methods, such as one-on-one and small group communication techniques, or even large group processes such as workshops that include IPC methods such as role plays or work in dyads provide opportunities for target group members to examine their own behaviors and develop personal strategies to make changes. Combining IPC activities with popular education materials, such as pictures, brochures, fact sheets, flip charts, or activities such as street theatre, increases the effectiveness of the outreach.

Examples of IPC Programs include peer education programs, an on-going, facilitated discussion group of sex workers, interactive workshops that include work in dyads or small groups, and popular education techniques that allow for reflection and self analysis.

VCT as IPC

Health care provider and client or patient interactions can be considered IPC at its essence. Health care worker interactions provide opportunities for one-on-one or one on two (in the case of couples) interactions in which sexual risk factors, HIV prevention, transmission and other sexual and reproductive health care issues may be discussed. The quality of the counselor-client interaction and the effectiveness with which any information is conveyed can impact health behavior. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) programs, for example, utilize interpersonal communication techniques to change health behavior. VCT programs aim to foster behavior change and individual self-efficacy, correct misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission, de-stigmatize HIV/AIDS, strengthen community support systems to sustain behavior change, and increase awareness, demand, and accessibility for high quality VCT services and referrals to care and support following testing.

HIV VCT programs have demonstrated their ability to increase safe sexual behavior and the use of care and support services among clients. By helping clients learn their HIV status and create a personalized risk reduction plan, VCT can provide the information and support necessary to change risky behaviors that could lead to HIV infection. VCT programs are client-centered and counselors are trained [PDF] in interpersonal communication techniques including counseling and risk reduction techniques as well as in emotional support. IPC can also be used to promote VCT or other health services.

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