Zimbabwe
When it comes to making healthier choices, one size does not fit all. That’s why, during our recent Advanced Nutrition Certification in Zimbabwe, we introduced the Stages of Change model—also known as the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. This tool helps Community Health Workers (CHWs) recognize that people are at different levels of readiness when it comes to changing their health behaviors. Some aren’t ready to change at all, others are considering it, and some are already taking action.
Our goal in teaching this model was to equip CHWs with a deeper understanding of how to tailor their support based on where each individual is in the process. Throughout the training, we not only explored how CHWs can use this framework in their communities, but we also asked them to reflect on their own personal health behaviors. Each CHW identified a change they wanted to make in their own life and assessed which of the five stages they were currently in.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what the Stages of Change model is and share reflections from CHWs who are beginning their own journeys of behavior change.
CHW Sithembiso – Garanyemba, Zimbabwe
CHW Sithabile – Gwanda, Zimbabwe
“Behavior change I want to make:
- Always monitoring my BP and cholesterol levels.
- Always eating healthy, balanced diet meals.
- Taking care of my feet by always checking if any sores.
- Always visiting the doctor if my sugar levels are above 240 mg/DL or less than 70 mg/DL.
- If on diabetic medicine, make sure I take my medicine in time. according to my doctor’s prescription.
- Monitor my urine output and intake.”
CHW Eunice – Garanyemba, Zimbabwe
CHW Elizabeth – Gwanda, Zimbabwe
“I would like to stick to my diet on diabetes since I’m diabetic:
- Which type of food to take.
- Which type of drink to take.
- What to do if you feel your sugar levels have gone down.
- What to do if you feel your sugar levels have shot up.”
CHW Ruth – Garanyemba, Zimbabwe
CHW Alice – Gwanda, Zimbabwe
“I grew up having a disorder of wanting more sugar in my tea or coffee and that is a big challenge that I’m struggling to change. I’ve learnt on behavior changes and since we started our trainings from International HELP in 2022, I’ve tried and still trying to reduce sugar and stop taking sugary drinks but not achieving my goals. I hope and pray that this 2025 Advanced Nutrition course will drive me to adhere to the right way of taking care of myself and promising that will do what it takes to start eating the healthy way.”
CHW Future – Garanyemba, Zimbabwe
CHW Godfrey – Garanyemba, Zimbabwe
In conclusion, the Stages of Change model has provided our Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Zimbabwe with valuable insights into how people approach behavior change. By recognizing where individuals are in their journey, CHWs can offer tailored support, making their interventions more effective and impactful. As they continue to apply these concepts, both in their own lives and within their communities, we are confident that they will inspire lasting, positive change.
