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The use of the Internet to deliver web-based interventions to patients is increasing rapidly. The use and effectiveness of web-based interventions to encourage an individual's change in behaviour compared to non-web-based interventions have not been substantially reviewed; hence this meta-analysis was undertaken. This article presents a systematic review of web-based therapies intended to encourage an individual's behaviour change. Sixteen of seventeen included studies revealed the outcomes of improved knowledge and/or improved behavioural outcomes for participants using web-based interventions. Outcomes included increased exercise time, knowledge of nutritional status, slower health decline

This paper introduces a tool, the Integrated Questionnaire for the Measurement of Social Capital, with a focus on developing countries. The tool aims to generate quantitative data on six dimensions of social capital as part of a larger household survey. These dimensions are: groups and networks, trust and solidarity, collective action and cooperation, information and communication, social cohesion and inclusion, empowerment and political action. The tool was tested in Albania and Nigeria and the lessons learned are presented

This brief describes the impact of IDRC's Acacia Initiative in Mozambique, where the programme has successfully influenced national ICT policy. The programme initiated two pilot projects to establish telecentres, and worked through key 'ICT champions' to achieve policy change

This is an easy to use A to Z directory of members of BOND and NGO networks. The intention of the directory is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the activities of BOND members, reflecting the range and diversity of UK based NGOs involved in international development. The NGO network pages provide a reference point for organisations and individuals wishing to liaise with NGOs to aid consultation on issues of interest ot specific networks. Each entry provides an organisation's contact details, name of director, nad a short description of the organisation. It is arranged in alphabetical order. It is also available from the BOND website

The Health InterNetwork Access Initiative (HINARI) provides institutions in developing countries with free or reduced-price online access ot leading biomedical journals. This article describes the services HINARI offers to researchers in developing countries. Its strengths are that it is technically very simple, offereing authenticated users a simple gateway through which to pass directly to their journal of interest. However, one of the challenges is that many institutions in the developing world cannot aford the cost of connecting to the Internet, or do not have the necessary hardware

Reviews the background and recommendations for the communication component of DFIDs new research strategy. Concludes that policy processes are complex and that research-based evidence is only one of the many competing influences on policy makers, development practitioners and end users. Outlines a number of gaps in flows of research information and how these may be addressed. Acknowledges the vital role of communication while also noting the importance of context and enabling environments in which the repackaging and circulation of information takes place and that intermediaries and networks are a vital part of this process. The political context and the complex relationships between people are key. Highlights a number of initiatives of European donors to strengthen southern research capacity and initiatives to facilitate knowledge and research sharing by a range of intermediary communication organisations