Assessment of an adolescent-girl-focused nutritional educational intervention within a girls’ empowerment programme: a cluster randomised evaluation in Zambia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Paul C Hewett ◽  
Amanda L Willig ◽  
Jean Digitale ◽  
Erica Soler-Hampejsek ◽  
Jere R Behrman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Adolescent Girl ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Nutritional Education ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nutritional Outcomes

Abstract Objective: Adolescent girls are at risk for both macro- and micronutrient deficiencies affecting growth, maternal and child health. This study assessed the impact of an adolescent-girl-tailored nutritional education curriculum on nutritional outcomes, including knowledge, dietary behaviour, anthropometry and anaemia. Design: A cluster-randomised evaluation was conducted with two study arms: girls in mentor-led weekly girls’ groups receiving sexual and reproductive health and life-skills training assigned to an age-appropriate nutritional curriculum and control girls in the weekly girls’ groups without the nutritional education. The primary analysis was intent-to-treat (ITT) generalised least squares regression. Secondary analysis using two-stage, instrumental-variables estimation was also conducted. Setting: The intervention and evaluation were conducted in urban and rural areas across four of ten provinces in Zambia. Participants: In total, 2660 girl adolescents aged 10–19 years were interviewed in 2013 (baseline) and annually through 2017. Results: ITT results indicate that exposure to the nutritional educational programme did not meaningfully change outcomes for adolescents or their children. Intervention adolescents were no more likely to correctly identify healthy foods (P = 0·51) or proper infant-feeding practices (P = 0·92); were no less likely to be stunted (P = 0·30) or underweight (P = 0·87) and no less likely to be anaemic (P = 0·38). Outcomes for children of intervention participants were not improved, including being breastfed (P = 0·42), stunted (P = 0·21), wasted (P = 0·77) or anaemic (P = 0·51). Conclusions: Even a high-quality nutritional educational intervention tailored to adolescents within an empowerment programme does not assure improved nutritional outcomes; adolescent preferences, resource control and household dynamics require consideration in the context of nutritional educational programmes.

scholarly journals The impact of effective communication skills training on the status of marital burnout among married women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Jafari ◽  
Ali Alami ◽  
Elham Charoghchian ◽  
Ali Delshad Noghabi ◽  
Mahbobeh Nejatian
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Communication Skills Training ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine the impact of effective communication skills training intervention on the marital burnout among married women referring to health centers. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 94 participants were selected from a descriptive study from among 936 married women referring to health centers who had a high rate of marital burnout and were randomly divided to the experimental group (n = 47) and control group (n = 47). The educational intervention was designed and performed in 7 sessions of 45 min for the experimental group. In the two stages before and after the intervention, the demographic sections, the Pines Marital Burnout Scale and effective communication skills were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 and inferential test of Chi-square, Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (p > 0.05). Performing the intervention in the experimental group significantly reduced the mean score of total marital burnout from 60.51 (± 14.96) to 51.82 (± 11.90), and reduced the mean score of marital burnout subscales, including physical, mental and emotional burnout. Also, in this study, the educational intervention of the experimental group significantly improved effective communication skills, and the mean score of effective communication skills increased from 85.12 (± 15.86) to 97.95 (± 14.53) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Based on the positive impact of effective communication skills on reducing marital burnout, it is recommended that more attention should be paid to enhancing these skills in spouses and pre-marital programs.

Impact of TVET on Labour Market Outcomes and Women’s Empowerment in Rural Areas: A Case Study from Cachar District, Assam

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-371
Author(s):  
Sagarika Dey ◽  
Priyanka Devi
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Women's Empowerment ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Women’S Empowerment ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Potent Effect ◽  
Labour Market Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

This article evaluates the impact of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), a state-sponsored skills training programme, on the scope and quality of employment, income and women’s empowerment among rural youths in Cachar district of Assam. Using a Heckman two-step approach, we find that training does enhance labour market outcomes of rural youths and has a particularly potent effect in securing women’s empowerment. However, the study reveals that employment generation under the programme is heavily biased in favour of wage employment. It is therefore suggested that due attention should be given to promote self-employment ventures by ensuring credit availability and logistical support by tying up with financial institutions and other agencies. Besides, peripheral issues such as level of trainee satisfaction, workplace-related problems and skill mismatch in training and job requirements also need to be addressed for increasing programme efficacy.

scholarly journals The impact of reducing dietary aflatoxin exposure on child linear growth: a cluster randomised controlled trial in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. e000983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Hoffmann ◽  
Kelly Jones ◽  
Jef L Leroy
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Linear Growth ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Effect ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Infants And Young Children

IntroductionObservational studies have documented an association between aflatoxin (AF) exposure and reduced linear growth in infants and young children. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of reducing AF exposure on child linear growth and serum AF levels in rural areas in Eastern Kenya.MethodsA cluster randomised controlled design was used (28 intervention and 28 control clusters). The intervention arm received a swapping (contaminated maize was replaced with safe maize) and a stockist intervention (households were encouraged to purchase from a stockist supplied with clean maize). Women in the fifth to final month of pregnancy were invited to enrol in the study. Outcomes were child length-for-age Z-score (LAZ), the prevalence of stunting and child serum AFB1-lysine adduct level 24 (endline, primary outcomes) and 11 to 19 months (midline, secondary outcomes) after trial commencement, respectively. The trial was registered with socialscienceregistry.org.ResultsOf the 1230 unborn children enrolled in the study, 881 (72%) were included in the LAZ and 798 (65%) in the serum AFB1 analysis. The intervention significantly reduced endline ln serum AFB1-lysine adduct levels (intervention effect—0.273, 95% CI −0.547 to 0.001; one-sided p=0.025), but had no effect on endline LAZ or stunting (mean LAZ at endline was −1.64). At midline, the intervention increased LAZ by 0.16 (95% CI −0.009 to 0.33; one-sided p=0.032) and reduced stunting by seven percentage points (95% CI −0.125 to −0.007; one-sided p=0.015), but had no impact on serum AFB1 levels.ConclusionImproving access to AF-free maize substantially reduced endline serum AF, but had no effect on child linear growth. The midline analysis suggests that AF may affect linear growth at younger ages.Trial registration numberAEARCTR-0000105.

scholarly journals ‘Screen and Treat for Anaemia Reduction (STAR)’ strategy: study protocol of a cluster randomised trial in rural Telangana, India

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e052238
Author(s):  
Bharati Kulkarni ◽  
Little Flower Augustine ◽  
Raghu Pullakhandam ◽  
Anju Sinha Pradhan ◽  
Teena Dasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Population Mean ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionCurrent anaemia control programme focusing on prophylactic iron supplementation and facility-based screening with haemoglobin estimation is inadequate to reduce the high prevalence of anaemia in India. This study aims to examine the impact of community level ‘screen and treat’ strategy for increasing population mean haemoglobin and reducing anaemia prevalence in the rural population.Methods and analysisAn open-labelled cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in rural areas of Medchal district, Telangana, India. All individuals served by one Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) constitute one cluster and will be randomised in the ratio of 1:1 by covariate constrained randomisation. Eligible members aged between 6 months and 50 years (men, women, children and adolescents) will be included in the study. Intervention group will be screened for anaemia using a point of care haemoglobin estimation followed by treatment with iron–folic acid for 3 months. The intervention delivered by the ASHAs will be supported by an electronic decision support system and simplified medication regimen. Educational videos and interactive voice response system will be used to enhance compliance. The control group will continue to receive benefits of ongoing anaemia control programmes but there will be no active intervention by the study team. At 6 months, haemoglobin will be measured in participants from both arms. The primary outcome will be the difference in population mean haemoglobin in two arms and the secondary outcome will be the difference in the anaemia prevalence in two arms among 6–59 months old children. Multilevel models will be used for analysis accounting for data clustering.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the institutional ethics committee of National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to policymakers. Findings will also be shared with study participants and community leaders.Trial registration numberCTRI/2019/01/016918.

A PROPOSED EVALUATION PLAN TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FACILITATED BY THE STATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AGENCY (SITA) IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-181
Author(s):  
Maura Mbunyuza-deHeer Menlah
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The State ◽  
State Information ◽  
Evaluation Plan ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Slow Development ◽  
The Impact

This article reports on a proposed evaluation plan that has been developed to assess the work done by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). The SITA programme was implemented in response to the South African government’s call to improve the lives of the populations in some rural areas through technology. The programme was meant to address slow development in  rural  areas  that  lack  technological  innovations  and  advances.  In  the proposed evaluation plan a review is made of secondary data, deciding how strategic priorities are to be determined, as well as analysis of the rural context environment. The researcher gives an account of how the evaluation strategies are to be piloted and rolled out thereafter. Lessons learnt are recorded and reported upon. A proposed evaluation plan will be developed, based on the lessons learnt in line with the objectives of the project.

Status, Impact, and Factor Determining Rural Non-farm Economy of India: A Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 68-76
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Present Status ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Farm Sector ◽  
Income Inequalities ◽  
Review Study ◽  
The Impact

The rural non-farm sector (RNFS) involves a spectrum of economic activity in rural areas and encompasses all rural productive entities other than farm holdings. It has the potential to play a pivotal role in holistic and inclusive development of India’s rural areas by increasing the employment and wages of rural labour, which can reduce income inequalities. The review was carried out in order to explain the present status of RNFE state wise as well as overall to get a comprehensive view on the topic. The review study also focuses to disaggregate RNFE on the basis of gender, size of landholding and castes. Literature depicting the impact of RNFE on rural livelihoods especially in employment and poverty and factors determining it also been compiled to get an overall idea on the study.

Impact of Elected Women Representatives of Panchayati Raj in Physical and Financial and Business Assets Development of Rural Women: A Study among the Rural Women’s of Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu[1]

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalaichelvi Sivaraman ◽  
Rengasamy Stalin
Keyword(s):  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Direct Democracy ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Panchayati Raj

This research paper is the part of Research Project entitled “Impact of Elected Women Representatives in the Life and Livelihood of the Women in Rural Areas: With Special Reference to Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu” funded by University of Madras under UGC-UPE Scheme.The 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution of India were made by the government to strengthen the position of women and to create a local-level legal foundation for direct democracy for women in both rural and urban areas. The representation for women in local bodies through reservation policies amendment in Constitution of India has stimulated the political participation of women in rural areas. However, when it’s comes to the argument of whether the women reservation in Panchayati Raj helps or benefits to the life and livelihood development of women as a group? The answer is hypothetical because the studies related to the impact of women representatives of Panchayati Raj in the life and livelihood development of women was very less. Therefore, to fill the gap in existing literature, the present study was conducted among the rural women of Tiruvannamalai district to assess the impact of elected women representatives in the physical and financial and business development of the women in rural areas. The findings revealed that during the last five years because of the women representation in their village Panjayati Raj, the Physical Asset of the rural women were increased or developed moderately (55.8%) and Highly (23.4%) and the Financial and Business Asset of the rural women were increased or developed moderately (60.4%) and Highly (18.7%).

Impact of Pseudomonas putida on the Growth Parameters of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.): A Traditional Herbal Boon for Rural Areas

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-96
Author(s):  
Shashi Kant Shukla ◽  
◽  
Awadhesh Kumar ◽  
Anupam Dikshit ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Putida ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Leguminous Plant ◽  
Food Protein ◽  
Botany Department ◽  
Medicinal Value ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Trigonella Foenum Graecum L ◽  
The Impact

The present study aims the impact of Pseudomonas putida on different growth parameters of Trigonella sp., a leguminous plant to support the requirement of food, protein along with their medicinal value in the rural areas of India. A pot experiment was arranged based on completely randomized design with four replications at Biological Product Laboratory, Botany Department, University of Allahabad. Treatments were given at the seed level with one of control. Results indicated that application of P. putida significantly improved vegetative growth and showed an edge on the growth of the fenugreek as compared to the control.

scholarly journals Does Social Support Affect the Health of the Elderly in Rural China? A Meta-Analysis Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natuya Zhuori ◽  
Yu Cai ◽  
Yan Yan ◽  
Yu Cui ◽  
Minjuan Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
The Impact

As the trend of aging in rural China has intensified, research on the factors affecting the health of the elderly in rural areas has become a hot issue. However, the conclusions of existing studies are inconsistent and even contradictory, making it difficult to form constructive policies with practical value. To explore the reasons for the inconsistent conclusions drawn by relevant research, in this paper we constructed a meta-regression database based on 65 pieces of relevant literature published in the past 25 years. For more valid samples to reduce publication bias, we also set the statistical significance of social support to the health of the elderly in rural areas as a dependent variable. Finally, combined with multi-dimensional social support and its implications for the health of the elderly, meta-regression analysis was carried out on the results of 171 empirical studies. The results show that (1) subjective support rather than objective support can have a significant impact on the health of the elderly in rural areas, and there is no significant difference between other dimensions of social support and objective support; (2) the health status of the elderly in rural areas in samples involving western regions is more sensitive to social support than that in samples not involving the western regions; (3) among the elderly in rural areas, social support for the older male elderly is more likely to improve their health than that for the younger female elderly; and (4) besides this, both data sources and econometric models greatly affect the heterogeneity of the effect of social support on the health of the elderly in rural areas, but neither the published year nor the journal is significant. Finally, relevant policies and follow-up studies on the impact of social support on the health of the elderly in rural areas are discussed.

scholarly journals Impact of the Wind Turbine on the Parameters of the Electricity Supply to an Agricultural Farm

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7279
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Skibko ◽  
Magdalena Tymińska ◽  
Wacław Romaniuk ◽  
Andrzej Borusiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Reactive Power ◽  
Supply Voltage ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Voltage Fluctuations ◽  
The Impact

Wind power plants are an increasingly common source of electricity located in rural areas. As a result of the high variability of wind power, and thus the generated power, these sources should be classified as unstable sources. In this paper, the authors attempted to determine the impact of wind turbine operation on the parameters of electricity supplied to farms located near the source. As a result of the conducted field tests, variability courses of the basic parameters describing the supply voltage were obtained. The influence of power plant variability on the values of voltage, frequency, and voltage distortion factor was determined. To estimate the capacity of the transmission lines, the reactive power produced in the power plant and its effect on the value of the power factor were determined. The conducted research and analysis showed that the wind power plant significantly influences voltage fluctuations in its immediate vicinity (the maximum value registered was close to 2%, while the value required by law was 2.5%). Although all the recorded values are within limits specified by the current regulations (e.g., the THD value is four times lower than the required value), wind turbines may cause incorrect operation of loads connected nearby. This applies mainly to cases where consumers sensitive to voltage fluctuations are installed in the direct vicinity of the power plant.

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