Effectiveness Of A Structured Training Manual On Women's Reproductive Health Capacity Building Among Self-Help Group Members in Selected Talukas of Sangli District, Maharashtra, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.v21i2.1921Keywords:
Women's Health; Reproductive Health; Self-Help Groups; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Community Health Nursing.Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured training manual in strengthening women's reproductive health capacity among Self-Help Group (SHG) members in selected talukas of Sangli District, Maharashtra, India.
Methods: A mixed-method evaluative study was conducted among 200 women belonging to selected SHGs. Quantitative data were collected using structured instruments assessing reproductive health knowledge, attitude and self-reported practices at baseline, day 15, day 30 and day 60 following implementation of a structured training manual. The manual was developed from literature, reproductive health guidance, government programmes, expert consultation and community needs, and was prepared in Marathi using simple language and illustrations. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons was used to examine changes over time. Qualitative data were obtained through three focus group discussions involving 21 SHG members and were analysed thematically.
Results: Baseline mean scores were 17.84±4.36 for knowledge, 49.28±7.12 for attitude and 20.62±5.08 for self-reported practice. Overall capacity-building increased from 87.74±11.84 at baseline to 102.24±10.28, 113.94±9.18 and 121.38±8.42 on days 15, 30 and 60, respectively. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant improvements in knowledge (F=412.86; p<0.001), attitude (F=328.41; p<0.001), practice (F=376.95; p<0.001) and overall capacity-building scores (F=495.27; p<0.001). Qualitative findings indicated increased awareness, confidence, communication, and adoption of healthier reproductive health practices.
Conclusion: The structured training manual was associated with significant and sustained improvement in reproductive health knowledge, attitude, self-reported practices and overall capacity among SHG members. SHGs may provide a feasible community platform for reproductive health capacity-building interventions.
