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Dear Sharon Craig, Not sure if this might assist you, but I am in the process of researching birthing transition in thailand, and have also done some work in health evaluation. I think it is definitely useful to evaluate changes in perceptions after 'implementing an intervention' (in 'public health' speak!), because perceptions influence behaviour, which influences demand etc. I think it is also useful to conduct 'discourse analysis' to gauge changes in perceptions... this is something I have been doing, as birthing has become overmedicalised in Thailand in the space of a generation. It is possible to note the complete change in 'views' of birthing, by analysing the language people use when speaking about it. There's a lot of media analysis going on in the Department of Public Health at the University of Sydney, may include a lot of recent attention to caesareans, though this would probably be the converse of what you are seeking - ie how negative attitudes are formed by exposure to popular media. I also remember hearing about media campaigns in Brazil, promoting normal birth, however, that is not specific to your topic of women's perceptions of midwifery/home birth... but might be of interest, nevertheless. I could suggest that the health promotion evaluation literature may be useful on evaluation tools. Anyone else add anything? best wishes, Penny -----Original Message----- From: A forum for discussion on midwifery and reproductive health research. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sharon Craig Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 1:48 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Film as Public Educational Tool about Midwifery I am exploring the possibility of researching public perceptions of midwifery as a profession in the United States. Specifically, changes in perception after viewings of The Business of Being Born, a documentary by Ricki Lake that addresses maternity care in the US and presents midwifery and home birth as a safe and viable option for women. Midwifery and home birth are still rather rare in the United States, partly due to health insurance costs, partly legislation, in addition to public perception. I am interested to know of existing and ongoing research on the public perception of midwifery and home birth, particularly an evaluation of tools (such as a film or book) on influencing women's perceptions of midwifery/home birth as a viable choice. Thank you, Sharon Craig, CPM University of Sheffield MMid Student