Participation In Self-help Groups Research Articles

Does participation in self-help group affect the psychological empowerment of tribal women? Evidence from India

Purpose This study aims to assess the impact of participation in self-help group (SHG) on the psychological empowerment of rural tribal women. Design/methodology/approach Primary data was collected using multistage random sampling from the rural women of Jharkhand, India. The propensity score matching method was adopted using the psmatch2 command in STATA. Findings The results show a significant positive change in women’s self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, autonomy, knowledge and skills, reduction in agony and quality of life after participation in SHG. This reveals that participation in SHG has a significant positive impact on the psychological empowerment of rural tribal women. Originality/value Despite the numerous studies on rural women’s empowerment, there is little evidence of literature focusing on the impact of participation in SHG on psychological empowerment, specifically in the tribal context. This study primarily focuses on women belonging to the scheduled tribe category of Jharkhand, one of the poorest states of India.

Poverty Alleviation through Self-Help Groups in Bihar: A case study of Gaya District

This study explores the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in poverty alleviation within Gaya District, Bihar, utilizing data sourced from the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. Employing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative analysis of SHG membership trends is complemented by qualitative insights gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with SHG members and stakeholders. Quantitative analysis involves examining data on new and total SHG members across 24 blocks within Gaya District over the past five years. Comparative analysis identifies variations in membership rates among blocks, while geospatial analysis, facilitated by Geographic Information System (GIS) software, visualizes SHG membership distribution. Qualitative insights provide contextual understanding of socio-economic factors influencing SHG participation. Integrated analysis synthesizes findings, elucidating SHG dynamics and their impact on poverty alleviation efforts. Results reveal a notable increase in SHG membership, with approximately 7.88% of the total population joining SHGs in the last five years. Challenges such as inclusivity and access to resources are identified. This study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on SHG effectiveness in poverty alleviation, informing policy formulation and program implementation for sustainable development and poverty reduction in Bihar.

Contributions of strategies to self-help groups’ participation in the sustainability of household livelihoods in Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, Keny

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) adopt joint liability lending schemes to access the poor financial resources. Among the rural poor households, access to SHG micro-credit enables households acquire assets of social and economic importance. Members build social and economic capital as well benefit group synergy. Notwithstanding, poverty levels in some regions in Kenya, especially the Nyakach Sub-County remains high despite several SHGs. Approximately 800 registered SHGs were in Nyakach Sub-County by 2023 engaging in different social and economic endeavours. Food insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation, poor technology and general insecurity manifest in the sub county. It contrasts evidence of other developed countries across the globe, especially parts of Asia and Europe that self-help groups have positively influenced the overall development of society. The study explored the contributions of strategies to SHGs’ participation influence the livelihoods of households in Nyakach Sub County, Kenya. By using Questionnaires, gathered quantitative data from the respondents was analysed and presented in descriptive statistics while Pearson Correlation Analysis measured the relationship between the variables. The study found that strategies like education and entrepreneurial training, group lending and partnerships, networks and SHG-facilitated bookkeeping and business skills influenced the members’ active participation for enhanced livelihoods. Improving participation in SHGs was found to have a high and significant influence on the sustainability of the livelihood of members’ households. The study recommends to the government for development of legislative regulations on participation and protection of SHGs from operational and performance risks.

Self Determination, Decision Making and Social Functioning as a Prognostic Factor among Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ Patients

Background: Viral hepatitis, encompassing hepatitis B and C, remains a significant public health challenge globally, with a vast majority of those affected unaware of their infection status. The societal stigma and lack of awareness about these diseases impede early diagnosis and effective management, particularly in developing regions. Patient self-help groups and public health initiatives play a critical role in bridging the knowledge gap and facilitating access to care. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of patient self-help groups in Punjab, Pakistan, on raising awareness and enhancing the management of hepatitis B and C. It sought to assess the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and the role of healthcare professionals in disease identification and management. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection through surveys distributed among 150 participants, including 102 males and 48 females from rural and urban areas. The survey consisted of three parts: an evaluation of patient self-help groups, liver disease awareness campaigns, and public health initiatives' commitment against viral hepatitis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on the correlation between demographic variables, awareness levels, and the impact of educational campaigns. Results: The findings revealed a significant correlation between awareness levels and participation in self-help groups (r=.564, p<.000). Urban participants showed slightly lower awareness scores (Mean=81.69, SD=14.00 for Total1; Mean=121.81, SD=19.52 for Total2) compared to rural participants (Mean=82.27, SD=12.10 for Total1; Mean=125.75, SD=17.73 for Total2). Gender analysis indicated higher awareness among females (Mean=83.56, SD=13.65 for Total1; Mean=125.60, SD=19.21 for Total2) than males (Mean=81.42, SD=12.11 for Total1; Mean=124.20, SD=17.89 for Total2). Despite the efforts of patient groups, a gap in healthcare professionals' knowledge about viral hepatitis was noted, with no specialized training programs available for general practitioners. Conclusion: The study underscores the crucial role of patient self-help groups and targeted awareness campaigns in improving the management and awareness of hepatitis B and C in Punjab. However, the lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals about viral hepatitis highlights the need for comprehensive training programs. Enhancing public health strategies and educational initiatives could significantly contribute to early disease detection and management, reducing the burden of viral hepatitis.

The Detection of Resilience in Families Grieving Over a Suicide.

The study, conducted in 2021, describes the relationship between resilience development factors and dimensions and the grief processes of persons affected by the suicide of a family member. The objective was to analyze whether the loved ones of suicide victims had developed resilient behaviors and how these were manifested during the mourning process. To achieve this, two instruments were used: the Brief Resilience Coping Scale (BRCS), and in-depth interviews, in both cases applied to a sample of 21 individuals from whom narratives of their experiences were obtained as elements for analysis. These narratives were operationalized, coded and analyzed according to the theoretical framework advanced by the authors Edith Grotberg and Cecily Knight. The behaviors detected took the form, among others, of artistic expression and/or the provisioning of support services to people affected by suicide, generally through participation in associations and self-help groups dedicated to the care and facilitation of emotional expression resulting from the traumatic event.

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Women self‐help groups and intra‐household decision‐making in agriculture

AbstractThis study examines the effect of women‐centric agricultural self‐help groups (SHGs) on intra‐household decision‐making in agriculture. Using data collected from an intra‐household survey of 815 households, we analyze the effect of women's membership in different types of SHGs on 14 decisions related to farms and households. Specifically, we investigate the discord in decision‐making, which is the difference in the perceived decision‐making roles of spouses within a household. Our results show that women's participation in SHGs has increased their role in decision‐making by 8–13%. However, the effects vary according to the type of intervention and the decision. We found fewer discords in intra‐household decision‐making in seed SHGs than in micro‐finance SHGs. In conclusion, our study suggests that women's engagement in agriculture‐based SHG interventions can encourage joint decision‐making, but the magnitude of this effect depends on the type of SHG. Development agencies can use this information to design interventions targeted at empowering women through the improvement of the agricultural value chain.

From Isolation to Empowerment: A Critical Review of the Impact of Self-Help Groups

Abstract: This study synthesizes the existing literature on the impact of women's participation in self-help groups (SHGs) on their empowerment. The findings of the study suggest that participation in SHGs has a positive impact on women's economic, social, and psychological empowerment. SHGs provide women with access to financial resources, build their confidence and leadership skills, and create a sense of solidarity and collective action. The paper concludes that SHGs are an effective strategy for promoting women's empowerment, but also identifies the need for greater attention to the diversity of experiences of women across different contexts and the need for more rigorous evaluations of the impact of SHGs.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 7. The empowering effect of Care Groups

BackgroundWhile there is extensive published evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Care Group Approach in promoting community-wide health behavior change, there is no published evidence regarding its empowering effect on its participants. Our study aimed to understand if the Care Group Approach as applied in the Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project in isolated rural mountainous communities in Guatemala produced evidence of empowerment among the female participants. This is the seventh of 10 papers describing the expanded Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO+) Approach in improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in the rural highlands of the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured individual and group interviews with 96 female Care Group participants –including Level-1 Care Group Promoters, Care Group Volunteers, and Self-Help Group participants. The participants were from six communities – two from each of the three municipalities making up the Project Area. Data were analyzed both using deductive thematic and by exploring the following social constructs: perceived social status, self-efficacy, decision-making autonomy, and formation of social capital.ResultsThe findings supported the hypothesis that Care Group participation was an empowering process. The primary themes that emerged included increased respect accorded to women in the community, women’s willingness and ability to make decisions and their confidence in making those decisions, and the development of stronger bonds among Care Group members, with other community members, and with community leaders.ConclusionThrough increased theoretical and practical knowledge about important maternal and child health matters and through the social experience of obtaining this knowledge and sharing it with other community members, participation in the Care Group Approach empowered participants to make positive health behavior changes for themselves and for their children and families. This, in turn, led many participants to become more engaged in community activities for improved health and beyond, thereby enhancing social capital in the community. We conclude that the Care Group Approach, as applied in this setting, has made it possible for marginalized indigenous women living in a male-dominated society to become more empowered.

Factors affecting the transition to adulthood of Korean young adults with spina bifida: a qualitative study

BackgroundTransition to adulthood to live independently while self-managing health and daily life without parental help is crucial for young adults with chronic conditions. Despite its importance as a precursor to effectively managing lifelong conditions, little is known about the experiences of young adults with spina bifida (SB) in transition to adulthood in Asian countries. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Korean young adults with SB to identify the facilitators or barriers to the transition from adolescence to adulthood from their perspectives.MethodsThis study used a qualitative descriptive design. The data were collected in South Korea through three focus group interviews with 16 young adults with SB, aged 19–26, from August to November 2020. We conducted a qualitative content analysis using a conventional approach to identify the factors that facilitated and hindered the participants’ transition to adulthood.ResultsTwo themes emerged as facilitators and barriers to the transition to adulthood. a) Facilitators: understanding and acceptance of SB, acquiring self-management skills, parenting styles encouraging autonomy, parents’ emotional support, school teachers’ thoughtful consideration, and participation in self-help groups. b) Barriers: overprotective parenting style, experience of being bullied by peers, damaged self-concept, concealing one’s chronic condition from others, and the lack of privacy in school restrooms.ConclusionsKorean young adults with SB shared their experiences of struggling to properly manage their chronic conditions on their own, particularly concerning regular bladder emptying, during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. To facilitate the transition to adulthood, education on the SB and self-management for adolescents with SB and on parenting styles for their parents are important. To eliminate barriers to the transition to adulthood, improving negative perceptions of disability among students and teachers and making school restrooms CIC-friendly are needed.

Impacts of Uncertainty and Social Support on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors after Chemotherapy: Based on Self-help Group Participants

Impacts of Uncertainty and Social Support on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors after Chemotherapy: Based on Self-help Group Participants

Scale and Sustainability: The Impact of a Women’s Self-Help Group Program on Household Economic Well-Being in India

Microfinance groups are a prominent source of small-scale rural credit in many developing countries. In India, evidence of the impact of the now ubiquitous women-only savings and credit self-help groups (SHGs) on household consumption and asset accumulation is inconclusive and based on small-scale interventions. Further, little is known about the sustainability of impacts at scale. We use panel data on close to 2500 households from five states in India to estimate the impact of SHG membership on household expenditure and asset ownership. Over four years, we find small but significant impacts of SHG membership on household expenditure and livestock ownership. Membership duration has a modest effect, suggesting that initial impacts may taper off as the program scales up, though small sample sizes limit our ability to draw inferences. Accompanying evidence on pathways is compelling; related work shows that SHG participation improves information, empowerment, and access to entitlements. While the direct impacts of SHG membership may not suffice to fill gaps in access to credit faced by the rural poor, impacts along these additional pathways could intensify the benefits of these groups.

Empowerment of women through participation in self-help groups: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic review to examine the research landscape of women empowerment through participation in self-help groups (SHGs), identifying the eminent contributors, intellectual communities and future research agenda in the field of SHGs and women empowerment.Design/methodology/approachThe global works of literature related to the theme of SHGs and women empowerment between 1998 and May 6, 2022 were scanned for bibliometric analysis and systematic review. A total of 176 English language documents from the Scopus database were extracted. Bibliometric analysis is conducted using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software.FindingsThis study finds that SHGs are paramount in achieving rural women’s empowerment multidimensionally. Found that India is the most contributing country with 136 documents, and Ranjula Bali Swain and Fan Yang Wallentin are the most cited authors in the research field of SHGs and women empowerment. In addition, the paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework to portray rudimentary antecedents of women’s empowerment achieved through participation in SHGs.Practical implicationsThis bibliometric analysis, along with a systematic review demonstrating a framework encapsulating the principal dimensions of women empowerment and their indicators, will be helpful to practitioners, government, policymakers and researchers working in the area of SHGs and women empowerment.Originality/valueThis study recognizes numerous significant contributions by eminent scholars and presents a concise review of the literature for novice researchers working in the area of SHGs and women empowerment.

Burden of caregiving of alcohol related liver disease patients: a possible role of training and caregiver groups frequency. Proposal of a method, preliminary results.

The patient with alcohol related liver disease (ALD) is an extremely complex patient who can be affected by various problems: alcohol use disorders (AUDs) (intoxication or withdrawal syndrome), psychopathological manifestations, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), family and social discomfort. Burden of caregiving for this type of patient is particularly severe. For this reason we propose our own working model. Thirty-one informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with ALD (28 females; mean age: 51±11) recruited in the period September-November 2021 followed prospectively were evaluated retrospectively. Those who completed all the steps (initial information/ training meeting), participation in support groups for caregivers and participation in self-help groups for AUD (club of alcoholics in treatment, anonymous family members, other realities) were selected (31/71: 43%). ICs underwent Zarit Burden Interview and a semi-structured interview. From the semi-structured interview, emotional, organizational, but also constructive reflections emerge. Zarit Score (ZS) was found to be light or nil in the 13% (4/31), moderate in the 22.5% (7/31), severe in the 32% (10/31) and very serious in the 32% (10/31). The parameters that most influenced initial ZS are the presence of HE and primitive psychiatric comorbidity (PC). By dividing the caregivers into two groups (<or equal 40 or >40) odds ratio is 2.4231 (95% CI: 0.4059-14.4637) in the presence of HE and odds ratio is 5.3846 (95% CI: 0.5666 to 51.1738) in the presence of PC. After the frequency to the caregiver groups (CGs) (at least 4) the ZS is significantly decreased (49.9±18 vs. 34±11; t=4.1966; P<0.0001) and this regardless of the presence of HE, PC or active alcohol consumption. While waiting to increase the number of cases and to submit it to a more in-depth verification, we suggest to other health organizations to use and verify this organizational/ relational method for primary ICs, in an attempt to optimize the health and social health activity in a complex medical sector (ALD) in constant growth.

Alcohol use disorders, self-help groups as a supplement to pharmacological and psychological therapy? A retrospective study in a population with alcohol related liver disease.

According to the new criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-V), the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is 20-30% in men and 10-15% in women worldwide.2,3 The anticraving therapy/psychotherapy combination is currently used routinely in clinical practice. However, the results after one year are unsatisfactory. Meta-analytic studies found failure rates of 57 to 75%. These percentages vary in relation to the intensity and length of the treatment. In addition, the abstinence rates gradually decrease over time. In this study, the clinical outcome of alcohol related liver disease (ALD) patients who spontaneously attended self-help groups (SHGs) (club of alcoholics in treatment - multi-family community/ alcoholics anonymous) regularly versus those who did not want to start the path or did not complete it was evaluated. From January 2005 to December 2010, 1337 alcohol use disorder patients affected by compensated alcohol related liver disease, were prospectively followed and retrospectively assessed. Two hundred thirty-one patients were enrolled: 74 attended self-help groups assiduously, 27 attended sporadically and 130 refused participation in SHGs. Constant attendance at SHGs compared to non-attendance allows for a significant increase (<0.0001) in the period of sobriety found in the median of distribution. Frequent attendance at SHGs is effectively "preventive," reducing the fraction of relapses by about 30%. The percentage of cases of cirrhosis is significantly different (P=0.0007) between those who have regularly attended SHG meetings (about 1% of patients) and those who have never attended or only occasionally (various percentages between 21 and 31% of patients); in both groups the incidence of new cases would seem to be 0.014 cases/ year. Similar difference in percentages regarding the onset of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), although with a lower level of significance (P=0.017) among those who attended regularly, 4% of patients with an incidence of 0.006 cases/ year, compared to those who have never attended or only occasionally: over 14% of patients with an incidence of 0.022 cases/year. This study suggests the importance of attending SHGs not only for the long-term achievement of alcoholic abstention, but also in positively influencing the course of alcohol-related diseases.

Trying to keep alive a non-traumatizing memory of the deceased: A meta-synthesis on the interpretation of loss in suicide-bereaved family members, their coping strategies and the effects on them.

INTRODUCTION: Losing a family member to suicide is a traumatic experience which includes guilt and self-stigma. Yet, there is lack of data synthesis on the survivors' experience. A meta-synthesis of qualitative data on the interpretation of loss in suicide-bereaved family members, their coping strategies and the effects on family. A meta-ethnographic synthesis following a systematic literature search and evaluation of the methodological quality of the selected studies was applied. The narratives of 326 individuals (parents/siblings/children/spouses) reported in sixteen studies were analysed. Trying to achieve a balance between keeping alive a non-traumatizing memory of the deceased, destigmatizing and liberating themselves from self-blame, self-criticism and guilt while being able to transform this experience into support towards others in need, was identified as the essence of the experience of the bereaved. Although suicide within a family is a traumatic experience, spiritual and existential implications among the bereaved have been reported; their coping mechanisms mediate the impact of suicide on family sustainability. Nursing interventions to facilitate adoption of coping strategies centred on keeping a non-traumatizing memory of the deceased among the bereaved and promote their participation in self-help groups and activities to support others in need are important.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SELF HELP GROUPS (A Study with Reference to East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh State)

Women participation in Self Help Groups created a wonderful impact upon the life pattern and style of poor women. They empowered at various levels not only as individuals but also as members of the family, community members and the society as whole. They gather for the purpose of solving their problems which are common through self-help and mutual help. It enhanced the general knowledge, awareness and improves their bargaining capacity of the rural women. It is a best technique to remove poverty and improve the women entrepreneurship and financial support in overall India. The present paper confines itself to Women Empowerment through the Self Help Groups w.r.t. East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh State. In present study simple statistical tools were adopted based on the analysis of women empowerment through Self Help Groups in East Godavari District, the major findings of this study there is a positive impact of Self Help Groups on Women empowerment in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh State. KEY WORDS: Self Help Groups, Women Empowerment, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

A Qualitative Study on Married Migrant Women’s Experience of Participation in Self-help Groups from the Perspective of Transformative Learning

This study examined self-help groups for married migrant women which have not been discussed from the viewpoint of learning from the perspective of transformative learning and tried to suggest the direction of self-help groups. For this, the research question was set as 'What does married migrant women's experience of participation in self-help groups from the perspective of transformative learning?'. For the study, data were collected by arranging in-depth interviews with 7 married migrant women who participated in self-help groups for more than 2 years in the B Family Center in A City. And based on this, the in-depth meanings in the experience were analyzed. Based on the collected data, each three central meanings were drawn from the categories of experience by conversion stage, the level of conversion and introspection, and the results of the conversion. Married migrant women planned and attempted a meaning life by experiencing dilemmas and experienced problem solving through sympathy and cooperation in their self-help groups. It has found that the level of conversion and introspection appeared in the form of self-awareness, professional competency development, and introspection as migrant women and the results of the conversion appeared in the domain of individuals, families, and society. The above research results show that self-help groups promote the shift in married migrant women's perspectives and become the learning center that they can be expanded to indivisual and social growth. Based on the results of the study, it found educational implications of self-help groups for married migrant women and sought the direction for their development.

Personality and its association with self-management in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundIn a healthcare system which aims to empower the patient, self-management becomes increasingly important. In Multiple Sclerosis, an effective self-management is associated with various favorable health-related outcomes like improvement in quality of life, the reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms, and reduced healthcare costs. This study investigates the association between the Big Five personality traits and self-management including activity in self-help groups. MethodsPeople with MS were recruited via several paths within Germany (e.g. medical practices, social events and the German MS society). The final study sample consisted of 682 participants who answered a multidimensional questionnaire. This comprised the Big-Five-Inventory-10 for personality, the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) for self-management competencies, questions for participation in self-help groups, and socio-demographic and clinical variables. ResultsMultivariate regression analyses showed that personality could explain a greater amount of variance of self-management than socio-demographic and clinical variables. Neuroticism was the strongest predictor and correlated negatively with all heiQ-dimensions of self-management. In contrast, in logistic regression analysis none of the Big Five traits became significant in predicting the activity in self-help groups. ConclusionAs expected, personality plays an important role regarding self-management. Ideally, a time-saving personality assessment should be considered in routine clinical practice to identify patients at risk; however, at a minimum, personality traits should be considered in consultations with their neurologists. They may need help to understand the benefits of effective self-management and should receive support to improve their self-management skills and to reduce their neuroticism to lower the risk of secondary complications.

Empowering caregivers of children with learning and developmental disabilities: from situation analysis to community-based inclusive development in Kilifi, Kenya

PurposeRaising a child with learning and developmental disabilities in a low-income setting is challenged by inadequate resources, limited support and poverty. The impacts on caregivers include fatigue, distress and isolation. The purpose of this paper is to report on a programme (2008-2021) that was set up in Kilifi County, Kenya to investigate and address these difficulties.MethodologyThe programme used mixed methods through a series of interconnected studies, starting with a situation analysis, followed by a home-based intervention where the caregiver served as agent for change using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. This was followed by two community-based inclusive development initiatives: disability awareness training to community groups and empowering self-help groups for caregivers of children growing up with disabilities.FindingsThe situation analysis revealed scarce support services for caregivers and children with learning and developmental disabilities, with report of limited resources, inadequate coverage and poor professional practice. A home-based, AAC intervention was associated with improved caregiver well-being, significant positive changes to caregiver perceptions of the child’s communication and some expansion to the child’ social activities. However, questions around sustainability persisted. Disability awareness training led by persons with lived experience of disability showed positive changes to the views, values and attitudes of established community groups. Caregiver participation in self-help groups was associated with their greater personal agency, perceptions of increased social support and reduced severity of child’s disability.OriginalityThe programme narrative demonstrates a rationalised and evidence-based process for community-based inclusive development that is low cost, culturally acceptable, with potential for sustainability.