Community participation in nutrition communication: Models and linkage systems for management

New models of community participation, nutrition communication, and managem ent linkages have been proposed. Changes in the health care sector have for ced a major restructuring of facilities and a shifting of focus from tradit ional institution-based health care to a more community-based delivery of s ervices, and from treatment to health promotion and disease prevention. The se changes have also led to a redefinition of community clients and a revie w of the social processes whereby community members can participate activel y in their health care. Challenges for health and nutrition professionals a re to create manageable environments for meaningful dialogues, and to commu nicate action-oriented nutrition messages that reflect the community's valu es and realities. Some theories on learning and behaviour change can be app lied to and aid in nutrition communication. At the same time, facilitators of and barriers to community participation in nutrition communication progr ams must be identified and addressed. In addition, during this time of heal th care transition, dietitians and nutritionists must position themselves a s leaders in health and nutrition communication so that the community will act on their messages. Partnerships or linkages between organizations at th e local, national, and international levels can assist in the effective del ivery of nutrition information.