Engaging Women Self-Help Group in Uptake of Screening for Diabetes and Hypertension among Women of Rural Jodhpur: A Community-Based Quasi-Experimental Study using Mixed Methods Design

Non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) are significant public health concerns in India. However, the
uptake of screening for diabetes and hypertension is low, especially among
rural and also women. Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an important community
mobilisation structure in rural areas in India. The national program for NCDs
suggests involvement of SHGs amongst other similar community participation to
be strengthened and established as a platform for community awareness and
promotive and preventive care activities.

Primary Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of engaging women self-help groups in promoting the uptake of screening for diabetes and hypertension among women in rural Jodhpur.

Secondary Objectives:

To study the current level of knowledge and practice regarding diabetes and hypertension prevention and screening among women

To identify barriers and facilitators to the uptake of screening for diabetes and hypertension among women in rural Jodhpur.

To assess the feasibility of engaging women self-help groups in facilitating the promotion of the uptake of diabetes and hypertension screening.

 Study design: Community-Based Quasi-Experimental study with Mixed Methods

Study settings: Rural Jodhpur

 Study participant:

Inclusion criteria:         Women residing in Rural Jodhpur, aged >30yrs

Exclusion criteria:       Women ever diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension;

Pregnant and Lactating Women

 A minimum of 64 in each group, a total of 128 women would be included in the study

 Intervention: Engagement of SHGs and promotion of awareness and facilitation of uptake of Screening by the SHGs

Comparator / Control: Existing Programmatic Initiative

 Outcome:

Change  in screening uptake of diabetes and hypertension

Knowledge / Attitude regarding & screening of diabetes and hypertension