Introduction
The PECAN Project is an implementation research initiative that aims to provide a comparative case study on adaptation, application, and evaluation of Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) in cities in Nepal and Bangladesh. The research will focus primarily on outcomes of common Non-communicable Disease (NCD) risk, including diet, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, blood glucose, blood pressure, and Body Mass Index in representative population samples of adults aged 18 and above.
The PECAN project will be informed by extensive formative research in both Bangladesh and Nepal. Stakeholder engagement will be prioritized to co-design and develop evidence-based strategies for raising awareness, gathering information, and promoting collective community action to address the broad determinants of NCDs.
Objectives
Overall, the PECAN project aims to identify behaviors that mediate NCD risk, the socio-cultural factors that influence these behaviors, design interventions accordingly, and determine the impacts and sustainability of these intervention strategies in mediating NCD risk.
Approach
This project is divided into four phases, each of which have their own specific methods. Phase 1 will be focused on understanding context through stakeholder engagement, literature reviews, epidemiological surveys, community mapping, and focus groups. Phase 2 involves evidence-based planning through participatory data analysis, co-design with relevant stakeholders, and establishing physical activity groups. Phase 3 is implementation, with strategies including recruiting community members into a digital health platform while holding weekly physical activity groups and monthly NCD action group meetings. These interventions will be supplemented by time series data collection, monitoring, and process evaluations. Finally, in Phase 4, the project will conduct a post-intervention surveys and participatory evaluations, sharing the findings with relevant stakeholders.
Associated Team Members
Abriti Arjyal
Research Manager - Qualitative and Multidisciplinary ScienceAbriti Arjyal
Research Manager - Qualitative and Multidisciplinary ScienceAppointed as the lead of Research, Innovation and Development Department Key Expertise Ms. Abriti Arjyal works as Research Manager – Multidisciplinary Qualitative Research – at HERD International and has experience in the area of public health, health system and service delivery research, social science and gender, and equity. She is an emerging young researcher with more than seven years of experience leading formative and operational field studies, evaluation studies, and literature reviews, with expertise in design and implementation of qualitative research, and [...]
Learn moreSushil Chandra Baral
Managing DirectorDr. Sushil Chandra Baral is an experienced health and development expert with over 25 years of experience in research and development. Specializing in health systems, health policy, and planning at both national and international levels, Dr. Baral has played a pivotal role in communicable disease control, specifically Tuberculosis. He serves as a Managing Director at HERD International. In the past, he worked as a Strategic Advisor for the Nepal Health Sector Support Programme demonstrating expertise in program-based operational research and [...]
Learn moreSampurna Kakchapati
Research Manager: Survey, Evaluation and ImpactDr. Sampurna Kakchapati is an experienced public health professional and researcher with a PhD in Research Methodology. He brings over 15 years of extensive expertise in data science, statistics, quantitative research, and monitoring and evaluation. Recognized as a leading expert in the field, Dr. Kakchapati has demonstrated his proficiency by successfully conducting and overseeing various national and international research projects and surveys. Dr. Kakchapati holds proficiency in data analysis using statistical packages such as R program and SPSS. His professional [...]
Learn moreBasudev Bhattarai
Research CoordinatorMr. Basudev Bhattarai holds expertise in the areas of public health nutrition with extensive experience of engaging with various nutrition related researches and trail. Throughout his career he has demonstrated expertise in collaborating with key governmental stakeholders in federal, provincial and local levels. He holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Purvanchal University. He possesses sound knowledge and expertise in the field of Public Health Nutrition. Over his 6 years of professional experience, he has developed technical skills [...]
Learn moreSulata Karki
Research OfficerSulata Karki is a public health professional with a wealth of experience spanning over seven years. Holding a Master’ Degree in Public Health, she has made significant contributions to various healthcare organizations actively participating in public health programs and research projects. Ms. Karki’s comprehensive expertise extends across diverse areas, including maternal and child health, digital health, mental health, and eye health. As a proficient mixed-method researcher, Ms. Karki has been actively engaged in implementation science, specifically in an evaluation study [...]
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