Each 27-minute episode of A Family Year focuses on one or two inter-related issues (i.e. lifestyle and other environmental factors and disease, cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse, diet and prevention of chronic illness, maternal and child health, health impact of environmental pollution). The series invites viewers into the lives of four families in Russia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. Over a period of six months, they talk about their views on such issues as health, nutrition, smoking and child care, and try to put into practice some of the measures that could help create a healthier life. A Family Year was filmed in an intimate way so that viewers could get to know and identify with the individuals and families featured in each episode. By illustrating of key issues, self-help measures and interventions in the lives of the families, the series is attempting to inform, educate, and stimulate changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.

Broadcast on national television channels in 17 countries in Central Europe and the Newly Independent States, the choice to create a single television series for use throughout Central and Eastern Europe was based on the assumption that the common experiences in this region would result in a common understanding of health concerns, goals, approaches, resources and priorities and resources. While the producers aimed to make viewers aware of some of the things they can do for themselves and their children to lead to a healthier future, they also aimed to entertain and give viewers a glimpse into the everyday lives of people like themselves, struggling with the same problems and facing the same challenges.

A Family Year is based on formative research by an international team of media and health professionals. Public opinion surveys were condicted in each of the four countries among three population groups - the general public, health experts and media professionals. Formative research was conducted to maximise the educational and motivational effects of the television series and to ascertain the major health issues of concern in each of the four participating countries. It also served as a basis for assessing the impact of the series

Health

Formative research identified cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and injuries as health issues of special interest in all four countries. Inequality in health and accessibility of health services was of concern in Hungary, while poor health services was considered a major problem in Russia. Furthermore, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol abuse were the most frequently mentioned risk factors in all four countries. Environmental pollution was a key factor identified by Russians and Czechs. Values deemed important by all population groups included economic welfare and good health. The topics suggested for programming included all health issues in Russia; health, diet and slimming, diet risks, physical activity and injuries in Poland; health, diet and slimming, diet risks, and psychological aspects of health in the Czech Republic; and dissatisfaction with the health system in Hungary. Health and media professionals stressed that social aspects of health should be included in health programming. Finally, in all four countries, there was a strong interest in obtaining practical advice.