ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: In the current health system, cash incentives are given to accredited social health activists for referring women to public health facilities for specific maternal and child health services, however many reproductive health problems are not included in these services. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of involvement of self-help groups (SHGs) in improving reproductive health seeking behaviour and service utilization by tribal women. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in two tribal blocks of Nasik district (Kalvan and Surgana) in Maharashtra, India, over a period of 18 months. Interventions included training of SHG women and providing incentives to them for conducting health education sessions for reproductive age group women in the community and referring those with the requisite problems, to the health facilities. Pre- and post-intervention focus group discussions and in-depth interviews among SHG women were conducted. Training of service providers on diagnosis and treatment of reproductive morbidities was done, and health service utilization was assessed. Results: Sixty five per cent of the referred women with reproductive morbidities availed services at the public health facilities. A review of records of women seeking services for reproductive health problems showed that there was a significant improvement in the intent for seeking services in the study block as compared to the control block (?2–9.06, P<0.002). Interpretation & conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing the potential of SHGs for improving reproductive health seeking behaviour of the tribal women. The results suggest that this model could be scaled up to address the neglected reproductive health needs of women without burdening the existing human resources
ABSTRACT
Background: In India, women in the reproductive age group (15-44 years) comprise 53% of women population (according to 2011 census). In spite of continuous evolution to improve reproductive health services in India, there is insufficient progress in decline of maternal mortality rate at 2 percent per annuum. One of the innovative strategies identified in reproductive and child health (RCH) II program and UN millennium declaration was establishment of women self-help groups (SHG’s) particularly in rural regions with high levels of poverty. So this study is aimed to assess the current role of women SHG’s in, maternal health, Family welfare and associated maternity benefit schemes. And also, to find out the constraints in involvement of women SHG’s and to assess the feasibility of enhancing their role in reproductive health services.Methods: It is a population based cross sectional study carried out at Nemam sub centre area of Nemam primary health care centre under Thiruvallur housing and urban development. Women who have been a SHG member for more than 6 months were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively after obtaining informed consent which was approved by institutional ethics committee. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Qualitative data was analyzed using coding techniques.Results: A total of 56 self-help groups from 10 villages resulted in a total study population of 392 individuals. Before identifying their role, their awareness was also evaluated. Ninety percent of the SHG women were aware of most of the components of maternal health services. But the role was good among 58% of the SHG women. This study brings forth the gap in knowledge and their role which is because they were not confident of their knowledge.Conclusions: In a developing country like India, involving the well organized and available grass root volunteers like women SHG’s in reproductive health services will have a great bearing on the maternal health and consequently on health of children and community at large.
ABSTRACT
Background: The therapy of cancer treatment for patient affects the significant of physic, psychology, and information and social, so that it needs to support the adequate care. The supporting for adequate care is the way to improve the quality life of patients. One of the cares that given is self-help group therapy (SHG), it is a group treatment to share about the experiences of each other for cancer patient. This research is conducted to know the influences of self-help group therapy towards the quality of life of cancer patients that have a palliative care.Methods: The research uses a quantitative approach with quasi-experimental method with pre-test and post-test with control group design. The sample of this research is 14 respondents in control group and 14 respondents in intervention group.Results: There was significant difference value of quality of life pre-test rather than post-test in the intervention group, p=0.033, and there was no significant difference in the control group before and after intervention, p=0.190. The comparison between post-test intervention and post-test control group showed that there was significant difference of quality of life value. P value in intervention group was 0.002, while p value for the control group was 0.221.Conclusions: There was influence by giving self-help group (SHG) therapy towards the quality of life of cancer patients that have palliative treatment. The patient can expand the social networking, to accept the information, get the emotional supporting from their own group.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mutual help among patients and distant support tools - such as phone calls and online discussions - are promising strategies to manage chronic conditions, however still poorly explored in the context of pain. This study aimed at evaluating two different remote guidance methods able to help chronic patients: (I) phone calls and (II) engagement in online discussion groups for patients. CASE REPORT: To evaluate these two assistance models, a qualitative research model was used. Investigations have started as from practical needs of a Support Group for chronic pain patients in São Paulo. To evaluate approach (I), 15 semi-structured interviews were carried out with specialists working with telephone guidance. For approach (II), the ethnographic method was used where a Facebook fibromyalgia discussion group was followed up for three months. CONCLUSION: Both studied initiatives have positive results but still lack well structured and uniform protocols. Interviews have shown that distant support practices for chronic patients could be expanded for a larger number of diseases.
RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A ajuda mútua entre pacientes e as ferramentas de apoio à distância - como telefonemas e discussões online - são estratégias promissoras no manuseio das condições crônicas, mas ainda pouco exploradas no contexto da dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar duas diferentes formas de orientação remota capazes de auxiliar pacientes crônicos: (I) ligações telefônicas e (II) engajamento em grupo de discussão online para pacientes. RELATO DO CASO: Para analisar esses dois modelos de assistência utilizou-se um modelo qualitativo de pesquisa. As investigações surgiram a partir de necessidades práticas de um Grupo de Apoio para pacientes com dor crônica de São Paulo. Para analisar a abordagem (I) foram feitas 15 entrevistas semiestruturadas com especialistas que trabalham com orientação telefônica. Para a abordagem (II) utilizou-se o método etnográfico, em que um Grupo de discussão para fibromialgia presente no Facebook foi acompanhado por 3 meses. CONCLUSÃO: As duas iniciativas investigadas têm mostrado resultados positivos, mas ainda carecem de protocolos bem estruturados e uniformes. As entrevistas conduzidas mostram que as práticas de apoio à distância para pacientes crônicos poderiam se estender para um maior número de doenças.
ABSTRACT
Background: Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) including Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are ‘silent’ epidemics and are recognized as public health problem and rank second as the cause of healthy life lost among women of reproductive age after maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Development and use of IEC material along with active participation by the community ensures delivery of appropriate information and knowledge to people which in turn empowers them to make informed decisions about their health. Methods: This was a ‘Multi-centric action research demonstration study’ to empower and engage the Self Help Groups (SHGs) women by creating awareness and sustaining interest through lesson plans in the IEC material regarding prioritized problem, required interventions and their access for syndromic recognition of the RTI/STIs. As an intervention, series of workshops were conducted with the help of pre-developed IEC material. 400 households (200 from each intervention and control sites) of SHG women were interviewed for baseline and endline each. Results: Intervention was found effective in the form of a significant improvement in the level of awareness about RTI/STI, correct knowledge about white discharge, capability to identify the symptoms of RTI/STI and health seeking behavior of the respondents. Conclusion: This study provides experience of the feasibility, efficacy and impact of health education interventions and point out that cost-effective strategies for prevention of RTI/STI are needed through information, education, and behavior change.
ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was conducted to develop de-stigmatising interventions aiming to reduce stigma related to leprosy; to improve the quality of life of the people affected; and to draw out lessons on how to set up such interventions elsewhere. Study Design: Intervention study. Place and Duration of Study: Raj Pracha Samasai Institute and Chaiyaphum province, Thailand, April 2011-December 2012. Methodology: De-stigmatising interventions were carried out by 3 different groups, namely a formal health care group, a local volunteer group and a self-help group. A baseline survey was done using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with people affected with leprosy (n=19), community members (n=24) and health workers who were responsible for leprosy and tuberculosis at a district hospital (n=2), and those who were present at a sub-district promotion hospital at the time of interviewing (n=6). One focus group discussion was conducted among health volunteers who had people affected by leprosy in the areas for which they were responsible (n=6). For the quantitative data collection, community members and health workers were interviewed using the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) stigma scale. To track the course of the interventions, two sets followup enquiries were conducted. People affected by leprosy, people with other disabilities, health volunteers, local volunteers, nurses, health workers and administrative officers were interviewed. Focus group discussions were held with health volunteers, with local volunteers and with the selfhelp group members. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. A T-test, a Chi-square test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse quantitative data. Observation was also conducted to evaluate the outcomes of self-care practice of people affected by leprosy. Results: Full participation of people affected by leprosy was found in interventions implemented by the self-help group, while little and no participation was found in those of the local volunteer and the formal health care group respectively. Self-esteem and social participation of the self-help group’s beneficiaries changed more than that of the local volunteer group, while there was no change in those taking part in the formal health care group. Conclusion: The findings support the study hypothesis that emphasises the importance of participation of different stakeholders. To maximise the likelihood of significant changes in attitudes, tailor-made education needs to be conducted to address negative attitudes and stigma perceptions found in the course of pre-intervention assessment.
ABSTRACT
Microfinance is essentially a financial service, routed to the poor generally through Self Help Groups (SHGs), in sheer belief that it will enhance their available choices, opportunities and empower them both socially and economically. With more than 387.38 million Indian people living below poverty line (World Bank, 2011), it becomes imperative to provide them a stimulus to overcome the quagmire of poverty and ignorance prevalent among them. The study area comprises of the selected villages of Rangjuli revenue circle of Goalpara district of Assam, where the Self Help Groups have been surveyed, regarding the microcredit and its role-both positive and negative, in their economic and social lives including their satisfaction level regarding microfinance. The study also bears significance as most of the SHGs surveyed (45 out of 57) are women groups, who are seen as most reliable in terms of repayment and utilization of loans (Joy Deshmukh-Ranadive, 2005). The result suggests that the formation of SHGs and expansion of credit facilities has led to livelihood promotion and poverty alleviation of about 86 per cent surveyed SHGs of the study area. Moreover, notably it is basically the women-run enterprises which have rather benefitted themselves and their families both economically and socially, vis-à-vis empowering themselves.
ABSTRACT
Assessment of quality of life (QOL) is a new method to investigate the effectiveness of dietary regimen. Particularly, diet-related QOL is the most appropriate method to estimate social and psychological problems originated from dietary regimen practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diet-related QOL and the correlation between diet-related QOL and health-related QOL, and dietary regimen practice in online diabetes self-help patients who practice the dietary regimen. Sixty one subjects who intended to practice dietary regimen were recruited from online diabetes self-help community, and instructed to fill-up the self report questionnaires. Contents of questionnaire were comprised of general characteristics, clinical characteristics, dietary compliance, and dietary regimen practice. As a result, the mean score of the 'Dietary impact' among the diet-related QOL sub-scales was the lowest suggesting most of the subjects suffer from burden of dietary regimen practice. The "Dietary impact" was correlated with "Taste", "Convenience" and "Cost" (p < 0.05). "Self-care" and "Satisfaction" were positively associated with well-controlled blood glucose and dietary regimen compliance, but negatively associated with "Dietary impact". Diet-related QOL was significantly correlated with the Health-related QOL, particularly the mental and social component (p < 0.05). Diet-related QOL was negatively associated with BMI, and self monitoring blood glucose was negatively correlated with "Self-care" (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Diet-related QOL might be appropriate to evaluate the effects of dietary regimen or nutrition education. The need for dietary education of cognitive-behavioral strategies and problem-solving ability is required.
Subject(s)
Humans , Blood Glucose , Compliance , Diabetes Mellitus , Quality of Life , Surveys and Questionnaires , Self Report , Self-Help GroupsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 16-week Self-help Tai Chi for Arthritis (SHTC) combined with health education for Korean American older women. METHODS: This research was a designed quasi-experimental pre-posttest. Forty one women aged 55~79 were recruited 20 in SHTC group 21 in control group and, but twelve in SHTC group and thirteen in control group were left after 16 weeks. SHTC group was educated for 1 hour health education and 1hour TCA, once a week during 16 wks. Measurements for comparison were taken three times, at baseline, 8 wks and 16wks. The effect were evaluated with self-efficacy, shoulder flexibility, back flexibility, both hand grip strength and standing balance with closed eyes. RESULTS: All variables except for left hand grip strength at baseline had significant homogeneity between both groups. After 16 weeks intervention, there was a significant interaction effect of time and group on right hand grip strength by repeated measure of ANOVA (F=3.398, p=.044). No significant interaction effects were found on self-efficacy, shoulder and back flexibility, left hand grip strength and standing balance with closed eyes. CONCLUSION: I can suggest this self-help Tai Chi program may be effective partially, but further research is needed to establish the best times and periods to intervene for a better effect.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Arthritis , Asian , Eye , Hand , Hand Strength , Health Education , Pliability , Self-Help Groups , Shoulder , Tai JiABSTRACT
Com este trabalho, objetiva-se refletir sobre um grupo terapêutico de autoajuda destinado às mulheres climatéricas usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). A proposta emergiu de pesquisa realizada, na qual se constatou a indisponibilidade desse tipo de serviço de saúde à mulher climatérica no que tange à sua integralidade. Atualmente, elas se encontram excluídas, sem espaço para discutir, dialogar coletivamente sua especificidade. Neste trabalho, propõe-se a criação de grupo, "Espaço de Autoajuda", no qual a troca de experiências é capaz de possibilitar a autovalorização e a autoestima da climatérica usuária do SUS, proporcionando-lhe um viver mais saudável nessa fase.
This study aims to evaluate a therapeutic self-help group destined to climacteric women SUS's using. The proposal emerged from research carried through in which was evidenced a non-availability of this type of health service, to climacteric woman, in whom it refers her completeness. Currently, they meet excluded, without space to argue, to dialogue, collectively theirs specify. In this work has been considered a group creation, "space of self-help", which exchange of experiences is capable to make possible self-valuation and self esteem of climacteric women SUS's using, providing aid a healthful life in this phase of the life.
Con este trabajo se busca reflexionar sobre un grupo terapéutico de autoayuda destinado a las mujeres climatéricas usuarias del SUS. La propuesta surgió de una investigación donde se constató la falta de disponibilidad de un servicio de salud integrado para las dichas mujeres. Actualmente, se sienten excluidas, sin espacio para discutir y dialogar colectivamente sobre su especificidad. En este estudio se propone la creación de un grupo o "espacio de autoayuda", en el cual los intercambios de las experiencias permitan que estas mujeres usuarias del SUS se auto valoren y auto estimen, ayudándolas a vivir de manera más sana este período de la vida.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Self-Help Groups , Climacteric , Women's Health , Women's Health ServicesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an East-West Self-help program for Rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used. The subjects were 75 post stroke clients(Exp. group : 38, Cont. group:37). The subjects of the experimental group participated in the Self-help group program of six sessions, twice a week, during 6 weeks. The program consisted of health education of stroke, exercise, oriental nursing interventions, and therapeutic recreation. The obtained data were analyzed by using the repeated measure ANOVA of SPSS. RESULT: 1) The score of rehabilitation self-efficacy increased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 2) The score of BADL, IADL, amount of use & quality of movement of the affected U/E, and grip power increased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 3)The level of blood cholesterol decreased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving functional abilities and self-management ability. Therefore this program could be implemented as a community based self-help group program for post stroke clients.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Korea , Medicine, East Asian Traditional , Self-Help Groups , Stroke/nursingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to develop and evaluate the effects of East-West Self-help program for Rehabilitation of post-stroke clients. METHOD: This program is developed through literature review, survey and seminar. The program is consisted of six sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. This program is composed of health education on stroke, exercise, oriental nursing interventions, and therapeutic recreation. The outcomes have been evaluated on the basis of perceived health status, self-efficacy, U/E function, ADLs and subjective response. RESULTS: 1) After the 6 week program, the perceived health status had improved and the score of rehabilitation self-efficacy increased significantly. 2) After the 6 week program, the score of BADL increased significantly, but, the score of IADL was not statistically significant. 3) After the 6 week program, the amount of use and quality of movement of the affected U/E were increased significantly. 4) All of the participants showed satisfaction with this program. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving functional abilities and self-management ability. Therefore this program could be continuously developed and implemented as a community based self-helf group program for post-stroke clients.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Health Education , Nursing , Recreation , Rehabilitation , Self Care , Self-Help Groups , StrokeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to develop and evaluate the effects of East-West Self-help program for Rehabilitation of post-stroke clients. METHOD: This program is developed through literature review, survey and seminar. The program is consisted of six sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. This program is composed of health education on stroke, exercise, oriental nursing interventions, and therapeutic recreation. The outcomes have been evaluated on the basis of perceived health status, self-efficacy, U/E function, ADLs and subjective response. RESULTS: 1) After the 6 week program, the perceived health status had improved and the score of rehabilitation self-efficacy increased significantly. 2) After the 6 week program, the score of BADL increased significantly, but, the score of IADL was not statistically significant. 3) After the 6 week program, the amount of use and quality of movement of the affected U/E were increased significantly. 4) All of the participants showed satisfaction with this program. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving functional abilities and self-management ability. Therefore this program could be continuously developed and implemented as a community based self-helf group program for post-stroke clients.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Health Education , Nursing , Recreation , Rehabilitation , Self Care , Self-Help Groups , StrokeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a six week self-help empowerment strategy program on the empowerment status, pain intensity, physical function, joint flexibility and depression status in rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHOD: The subjects of the study consisted of a convenience sample thirteen rheumatoid arthritis patients. Data was collected from July to November, 2001. All patient received a self-help empowerment strategy program, once a week for six weeks. RESULT: After receiving the self-help empowerment strategy program, the empowerment status increased significantly, the pain intensity and the depression score decreased significantly and the level of physical function significantly improved but the flexibilities of shoulders, knees and ankles were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: Further studies need to be done to determine the feasibility of implementing empowerment strategy and its possibility as an effective intervention program for decreasing pain intensity and depression score and improving the physical function.