Assessing the Effects of a Community-Based Intervention on Health and Economic Well-Being

Abstract

Empowered women have attained a higher level of development and are better positioned to demand equal access to healthcare services. Forming women’s groups to raise awareness about maternal and child health (MCH) is a core strategy of community-based interventions, providing effective and innovative ways to improve their access to health care. The present study evaluated a community-based intervention designed to enhance women’s utilization of MCH services and awareness, as well as improve their access to employment and savings accounts through peer-led outreach in two regions of India. Peer educators served as facilitators, bridging communication among women and fostering a supportive environment within families and communities. The intervention was implemented in Rohtak and Karnal, two underutilized districts in Haryana. Two development blocks were randomly selected from each district, and 24 villages with high population underprivilege were chosen from each block. A mixed-methods approach, including a non-experimental post-test-only design of the project group, was used to evaluate the intervention. Following the sessions, there was a notable increase in women’s awareness of MCH. Women maintained records of their savings, either from regular community funds or earnings through employment schemes. These emergency savings accounts helped women manage unforeseen expenses such as starting small businesses, medical emergencies for family members, children’s education, and more.