Story Circles and abortion stigma in Mexico: a mixed-methods evaluation of a new intervention for reducing individual level abortion stigma.

This study presents the results of an evaluation of a Story Circles intervention to reduce individual level abortion stigma among women who have experienced abortion in Mexico. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explored whether participation in the intervention reduced 18 women's experience of stigma one month after having participated. The study used the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale (ILAS Scale), qualitative interviews and focus groups to gain an understanding of women's experiences of the intervention and any changes in stigmatising feelings. Findings suggest that the Story Circles offered women a place to talk about their abortion in an affirmative and supportive environment, unlike the context of their daily lives where stigma generated silence and affected their well-being. Participants were able to build trust, share their experiences, create connections and transform their perception of their abortion from a negative experience to one that was empowering and life-affirming. This also led to other significant positive changes in their lives. The paper offers recommendations about programme and intervention design and implementation for practitioners working to reduce individual level stigma among women who have experienced abortion.

Mercadotecnia social y políticas públicas de salud: campaña para promover espacios libres de humo de tabaco en México / Social marketing and public policies for health: campaign to promote smoke-free spaces in Mexico

"Porque todos respiramos lo mismo" es una campaña en medios masivos de comunicación para promover espacios libres de humo de tabaco (ELHT). Las etapas de diseño fueron: planeación estratégica, investigación formativa, desarrollo de mensajes, plan de medios y evaluación de impacto. Se formó una coalición de actores sociales para su desarrollo. La población blanco fueron fumadores y no fumadores y el objetivo modificar la norma social sobre ELHT. Se utilizaron televisión, radio, prensa y vallas en vía pública. Se corroboró que una gran parte de la defensa de los espacios libres de humo de tabaco depende de los no fumadores. Una limitante en el desarrollo de esta campaña fue el carecer de evidencia del impacto de campañas similares previas, por lo que esta incluyó un componente de evaluación riguroso. La campaña parece haber tenido un impacto social significativo, por lo que se sugiere utilizar estrategias similares para el desarrollo de futuras campañas.

"Porque todos respiramos lo mismo" is a mass media campaign to promote smoke-free places (SFP). The development stages were: strategic planning; formative research; message development; media plan; and impact evaluation. Development involved formation of a coalition of key actors in various sectors. The target population was smokers and nonsmokers, with the aim of changing social norms around SFP. Nonsmokers were targeted because they comprised the majority and were most likely to appreciate the benefits of SFPs. Campaign materials were aired on television, radio, print and on billboards. One key limitation was the lack of evidence for previous campaigns, which increased the importance of formative research and of including a rigorous evaluation for this one. The campaign evaluation indicates a significant impact, which suggests that future campaigns use similar strategies in their development.