Title : Ka’damayan tungo sa pagbabago: A behavioral design intervention for community-based drug rehabilitation treatment adherence
Abstract:
In this presentation, we will share the outcomes of a project that aimed to improve treatment adherence among People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) in a Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation (CBDR) program in the Philippines. This project primarily focused on identifying critical behavioral insights that influence treatment adherence, particularly the role of social support among PWUDs. Moreover, complementary behavioral solutions were implemented to address the critical challenge of treatment completion, building on the Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) efforts of the USAID - RenewHealth program. Insights revealed that sociological factors significantly influence clients, particularly the support they receive from fellow clients attending the same treatment sessions. Leveraging these insights, we co-created and tested behavioral prototypes with relevant stakeholders and select community members. These behavioral prototypes were collectively known as the “Ka’Damayan” (a Filipino word that roughly pertains to a sense of belongingness) Toolkit. This included three main components: the Ka’Damayan Progress Map, Ka’Damayan ID and Stickers, and Ka’Damayan Card, designed to strengthen social identity and reduce risk aversion in-treatment participation. Results showed that increased exposure to the Ka’Damayan Tools enhanced felt benefits through belongingness and mutual assistance, which encouraged continued participation in the treatment program. PWUDs eventually regarded their co-PWUDs as “Ka’Damay” as they celebrated their journey, as manifested in the increase in their attitude, social norms, control, and intention to celebrate with their batch. Overall, the Ka’Damayan tools have contributed to a significant increase in adherence among PWUDs following the implementation. These promising results can provide helpful information for those studying or working in rehabilitation and offer practical ideas to make treatment programs more effective and accurate, leading to better outcomes for clients and communities.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- This presentation will demonstrate the importance of identifying high-impact behaviors that can nudge treatment completion in CBDR programs while also showcasing how to co-create and test behavioral solutions with stakeholders to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- The audience will learn how to apply Behavioral Design principles to their CBDR initiatives, improving treatment adherence and overall program success. The tools and strategies shared can be adapted to various contexts, offering practical solutions that simplify program design and enhance client engagement.
- This presentation offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to expand their understanding of treatment adherence in rehabilitation settings. It provides practical solutions that can improve the efficiency and accuracy of program designs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients and communities.
