The course provides an overview of concepts and theories in communication with a focus on health behavior change. Explains the importance of health behavior as a contributor to current public health problems and the role of behavior change communication; describes methods of communications needs assessment; The course provides the approaches, conceptual tools in planning and management of communication processes in hospitals and out-reach programs in health services, and to develop skills for effective communication with clients and other stakeholders.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: describe the role and importance of communication in health care; identify steps communication planning process; develop a health communication plan and strategy; develop matrix of targeted behavior, audience, key messages, media choice, indicators of change; describe dimensions of Interpersonal Communication and PLOT; describe approaches to Media Advocacy, basic principles and approaches to Counseling.