Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the effects of new-born care intervention through self-help groups in improving new-born healthcare practices in rural India.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate behavioral change intervention integrated in >25,000 microfinance-based self-help groups in rural Bihar. Three rounds of cross-sectional surveys were conducted to understand the impact of intervention on new-born healthcare practices by talking to women who delivered a baby in the last 6 months.ResultsIntervention groups showed greater improvement than control groups in the timely initiation of breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.3, 95% CI: 2.8, 14.3), exclusive breastfeeding on day 1 (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9, 9.9), initiation of skin-to-skin care (AOR = 1.9, CI: 1.0, 3.8), and delayed bathing (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.9) with greater effect of on home deliveries where clinical care is often absent.ConclusionSharing messages on appropriate new-born practices through self-help groups improve new-born care practices.
Highlights
An estimated three million children die in the first 28 days of life [1]; more than one in every five global deaths happens in India [2]
A clusterrandomized controlled trial conducted in India, the “Ekjut trial”, showed a strong effect of women’s groups on reduction of the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in the population in whom the trial was conducted (a 45% decline in years 2 and 3 of the intervention) [15]
The likelihood of change from 2013 to 2014 among women in the intervention groups compared with control groups was significant in timely initiation of breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1, 8.6), exclusive breastfeeding on day 1 (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.3, 9.5), and delayed bathing (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.6, 6.1) (Table 3)
Summary
An estimated three million children die in the first 28 days of life [1]; more than one in every five global deaths happens in India [2]. More than 50% of neonatal deaths happen on the first day of life [8]; studies have recommended that such deaths can be prevented with an initial focus on preventive family and community interventions and optimal care [4]. Utilized (OR: 1.19, CI 1.11–1.27) family planning products and services [14]; the study results are only indicative as there is no evidence to suggest that health information was disseminated through the SHGs. A clusterrandomized controlled trial conducted in India, the “Ekjut trial”, showed a strong effect of women’s groups on reduction of the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in the population in whom the trial was conducted (a 45% decline in years 2 and 3 of the intervention) [15]. More evidence is needed on the role of SHGs to affect maternal and child health outcomes
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