Rural Communities Research Articles

A Workable Approach to Calculate the Rate of Silting in Small and Hillside Dams in the Rambiara watershed in Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract: In temperate regions, building small dams and hillside reservoirs is a popular solution to irregular and unevenly distributed rainfalls. Furthermore, it is advised that rural communities use these tiny hydraulic structures as a means of adapting to climate change. They are essential to the water resources' survival. These dams could, however, act as sinks for material from upstream. In order to better understand siltation and the proper operation of these essential structures, it would be helpful to monitor and measure the amount of sediments in minor dams. The bathymetry or topographical surveys needed for this control and these measurements are too costly for the people in charge of these minor dams. In this regard, the triangulation of the estimated silted level is a straightforward and inexpensive method that is proposed in this work. This technique is based on measuring the accessible silted level in the dam directly. This new approach is contrasted with an alternative that is based on the dam's original Elevation-Capacity curve and is typically employed when the bathymetry is unachievable. The bathymetry and electrical tomography findings from both of them were compared, confirming the proposal method's status as the most accurate. Consequently, this approach is suggested as a novel, straightforward, and easy way to assess the degree of silting in minor dams and hillside reservoirs

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to dog bite and its management among adults in rural Maharashtra with reference to their literacy status: a cross sectional study

Background: In India, 97% of human rabies is transmitted by dogs. Rabies is 100% fatal but 100% preventable by vaccination. In rural community, there exists a considerable gap in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to dog bite and its management. So, study was planned to assess same with reference to literacy status among adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of Rajiv Gandhi medical college in Maharashtra during April to June 2023. Sample size was estimated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Data was collected by personal interview using pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The statistical level of significance was fixed at p<0.05. Results: Of the 254 subjects interviewed, 208 (81.89%) were literate and 46 (18.11%) were illiterate, 224 (88.19%) subjects knew about rabies disease of which 190 (91.35%) were literate (p<0.05), 208 (81.89%) subjects mentioned that the dog bite leads to rabies of which 178 (85.58%) were literate (p<0.05), 172 (67.72%) said rabies can be prevented through vaccination of which 151 (72.60%) were literate (p<0.05), 179 (70.47%) said washing dog bite wound can reduce chance of rabies of which 158 (75.96%) were literate (p<0.05), 88 (34.65%) subjects have given history of dog bite. Literate subjects were having better knowledge, positive attitudes and healthy practices related to dog bite and its management. Conclusions: The gap in knowledge, attitude and practices about dog bite and its management among the subjects can be reduced by increasing literacy status, health education and focusing on communication services in rural area.

Exploring the Paradox of Local Community Empowerment in Mediating the Role of Village Fund Policy to Increase the Rural Society's Welfare: An Analysis through the Eye of Village Public Service's Users

Recent studies reported that the implementation of local budgeting in the context of fiscal decentralization policy had no significant contribution in increasing rural community welfare. This study therefore evaluated the local budgeting policy implemented in Indonesia through Village Fund (VF) policy as well as examining the mediating role of local community empowerment. This investigation used crossectional data from 399 respondents from villages in Indonesia. The measures used in this study involved villagers' perception about policy and implementation of village fund, the success of rural welfare and local community empowerment. PLS-SEM was used to test the hyphoteses. The result of this study evidences that perceived of VF usage measured by perceived infrastructure development and perceived basic social services, except for perceived VF usage in rural economic development, have less significant impact on rural community welfare. Moreover, perceived involvement of community empowerment has minimum contribution on perceived rural community welfare. This study provides an understanding of paradox existing in the perceived role of local community empowerment in mediating the effect of local finance budgeting on rural welfare which is still rarely studied particularly in developing countries like Indonesia.

Unveiling the Complexities of Land Use Transition in Indonesia’s New Capital City IKN Nusantara: A Multidimensional Conflict Analysis

The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to the IKN (Ibu Kota Negara) Nusantara in East Kalimantan is leading to significant changes in land use, shifting from natural vegetation and agriculture to urban infrastructure. This transition brings about economic diversification and urban expansion, but it also raises concerns about its impact on society, the economy, and the environment. The rapid development affects biodiversity conservation, food security, and the livelihoods of rural and Indigenous communities, leading to conflicts across social and economic dimensions. This research uses qualitative and quantitative data to examine the socio-economic and environmental changes in the IKN Nusantara area from 2003 to 2023. The findings show a notable increase in built-up areas, indicating urbanization and a decrease in agricultural land. The study discusses the implications for local populations and ecosystems, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, community participation, and conflict resolution. It also proposes a comprehensive policy framework that promotes sustainable land management, recognizes Indigenous and local rights, and fosters inclusive economic growth to respect Indonesia’s rich environmental and cultural heritage.

An inquest into the resource mobilization and utilization capacity of local leaders for community resilience to agriculture-threatening droughts and floods

The main objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between resource mobilization and utilization capacity of local leaders and community resilience to droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani District of the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. Continual exposure to the hydro-climatic disasters of droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani has accelerated the vulnerability of poor rural communities, plunging them deeper into poverty and preventing them from taking advantage of economic opportunities. With Lower Muzarabani faced with increasing magnitude, frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, the need for concerted efforts towards building disaster-resilient communities can never be overemphasized. The Conjoint Community Resilience Assessment Model (CCRAM) Household Questionnaire was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews among the sampled households. in Lower Muzarabani. The original CCRAM Model structure, consisting of 5 disaster-resilience factors (Leadership, Collective Efficacy, Preparedness, Place Attachment, and Social Trust) and 28 items, was used as the basis for the survey. The multi-stage sampling method was used in selecting the 200 households for the survey. The major finding obtained with the use of the Pearson Bivariate Correlation Analysis and Linear Regression Analysis was that the efficiency and effectiveness of resource mobilization and utilization activities (represented in the CCRAM model by the preparedness factor) significantly and positively influence community resilience to the hydro-climatic disasters of droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani.

“WE FACE OBSTACLES WITH IKHLAS”: REFLECTION ON PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN RURAL TEGAL, CENTRAL JAVA, DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study examines the psychological flexibility of elementary school’s teachers in rural settings who obliged to still carried out teaching activities during Covid-19 pandemics. The changing teaching methods, along with other daily life changes, are common to be studied in urban setting. But, the vulnerable group of teachers in rural community setting is under researched. The school in this rural setting also achieved good mark academically, even though it was hampered by the pandemic. This study employed qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach, as the most relevant design for studying a life experience.  Participants were four elementary school’s teachers in rural Tegal regency, Central Java. Data was gathered through an in-depth interview, and analyzed using the tradition of content analysis. Triangulation was conducted by interviewing significant others of each participant, to maintain the credibility of the data. The results of this study showed that all the subjects, reflecting that when facing obstacles during a pandemic, they were able to bring up a set of skills that a person uses when faced with challenging thoughts, feelings, emotions, and/or experiences. Themes emerged included struggle to adapt, such as “Create New Innovations to Address Solutions,"  “An Attitude of Willingness to Learn to Face Challenges,"  “Functioning Effectively Despite Obstacles,"  “The Attitude of Continuing to Live Despite Obstacles”; struggle to accept, such as “Responding to Situations with a Positive Outlook”, “Gaining Wisdom,"  and finding meaning of events such as “Desire to Become a Better Version of Oneself.”. Meanwhile, factors that influenced psychological flexibility were teaching commitment, motivation, creativity, and social support. Overall, the study contributes to the comprehension of human virtue in a rural community setting during the hardest time of the pandemic.

Promoting Ecosystem Conservation and Food Security through Sustainable Harvesting of Edible Caterpillars in Kanchibiya District, Zambia

Insects play a vital role in enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. This study focused on the identification of caterpillar harvesting practices in Zambia, particularly in Chief Kopa’s village, Kanchibiya District, Muchinga Province, where the caterpillars of Gynisa maja and Gonimbrasia belina play a crucial role in food security. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires to capture both qualitative and quantitative insights. Quantitative data, including caterpillar harvesting amounts and correlations with tree destruction, underwent statistical analyses, including ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's HSD tests. The Chi-square test explored gender distribution across research sites. Qualitative data from open-ended questions during interviews underwent thematic analysis. The study sampled 100 respondents from six areas, and the results revealed significant differences in caterpillar harvesting amounts among villages. Post-hoc tests identified specific pairwise differences. The findings indicated that traditional harvesting methods persisted, with limited adherence to rules. A significant positive correlation was observed between caterpillar harvesting practices and evolving trends such as increased harvesting intensity, changes in harvesting methods, and environmental impact and tree destruction (p=0.001, r=0.917). The study contributed valuable insights into past caterpillar harvesting practices, proposing conservation strategies for enhanced food security and sustainability. The study proposes a multifaceted approach to balance ecosystem conservation with food security in Kanhaiya District, emphasizing the importance of sustainable caterpillar harvesting. Recommendations include developing community-based sustainable harvesting guidelines, such as rotational zones and harvest limits, alongside education programs to raise ecological awareness. It advocates for diversifying livelihoods and food sources to lessen dependence on caterpillars, ensuring gender-inclusive participation in these initiatives. Monitoring and further research are essential to adapt strategies effectively. These measures aim to preserve the ecosystem, ensuring the caterpillar's role in food security and offering socioeconomic benefits by fostering community resilience and reducing food insecurity vulnerabilities

Impact and Mechanism of Digital Information Selection on Farmers’ Ecological Production Technology Adoption: A Study on Wheat Farmers in China

The application of ecological techniques by farmers is important for ensuring the environmentally sustainable advancement of the grain sector. Based on micro-level survey data from 921 Chinese wheat growers in the Hebei and Henan provinces, this study employed an endogenous switching probit model and counterfactual analysis to investigate the impact and mechanisms of digital information utilization on ecological production technology adoption. The results indicated that 43.87% of sample wheat farmers had a low level of adoption of ecological techniques. The utilization of digital information significantly promoted farmers’ adoption. If farmers who currently used digital information were to opt-out, the probability of their high adoption would decrease by 11.26%. The utilization of digital information significantly enhanced the adoption of ecological technologies through three mediating factors: technological cognition, production monitoring, and market channels. Therefore, it is imperative to encourage farmers to broaden their social networks and enhance their perception of the importance of digital information. Additionally, it is essential to promote the industrialization and scale operation of wheat production, direct policy subsidies towards new types of management entities, and ensure the accuracy of the supply of digital information for green production through multiple channels. Therefore, it is imperative to expand farmers’ social networks and leverage rural communities to increase their perceived importance of digital information. Governments should increase subsidies and promote the scale and industrialization of wheat production. Moreover, the accuracy of digital information supply for sustainable production should be promoted through digital learning platforms, production monitoring systems, and e-commerce networks.

Missed opportunities for human papillomavirus vaccination using Iowa's Immunization Registry Information System.

Adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates continue to remain lower than other adolescent vaccines, both nationwide and in Iowa. This study examined predictors of missed opportunities for first-dose HPV vaccine administrations in Iowa in order to conduct more targeted outreach and improve adolescent HPV vaccine uptake. A retrospective study was conducted to identify predictors of missed opportunities for first-dose HPV vaccination in Iowa adolescents using Iowa's Immunization Registry Information System. The study population included 154,905 adolescents aged 11-15 years between 2019 and 2022. Missed opportunity for first-dose HPV vaccination was defined as a vaccination encounter where an adolescent received a Tdap and/or MenACWY vaccine but did not receive the first-dose HPV vaccine during the same encounter. Over a third of the study population experienced a missed opportunity for HPV vaccination between 2019 and 2022. Missed opportunity for vaccination was most common among individuals living in a rural county (aOR = 1.36), underinsured adolescents (aOR = 1.74), males (aOR = 1.12), teens 13-15 years of age (aOR = 1.76), and White race and non-Hispanic ethnicity. This study builds on previously reported predictors of missed opportunity for HPV vaccination in adolescents. Increased understanding of provider needs and barriers to administering HPV vaccination and further analysis of how the Vaccines for Children Program can play a role in HPV vaccination uptake is necessary to improve HPV vaccination rates among adolescents in Iowa and more specifically in rural communities.

Sintren as a Traditional Performing Art in Mirat Village

Sintren art is a traditional art that developed in almost all coastal areas of the island of Java. In Majalengka, sintren art developed in Mirat Village, Leuwimunding District. Sintren as a traditional art grew among rural communities that were becoming modern so sintren then survived as a traditional performing art that had an influence on the social life of the community. This research was carried out using qualitative research methods which are believed to be a scalpel in research so as to help explain the research object factually. Data collection techniques were carried out by direct observation and interviewing sources. The results of this research show that sintren in Mirat Village is not only a traditional art that was initially performed in ceremonies or rituals, but also a traditional performing art that can be performed during circumcision celebrations, weddings, and welcoming guests who come to the village. There has been a shift in sintren performances, currently sintren can be performed anytime and anywhere depending on the enthusiasm and demand of the community, because currently the values contained in this sintren performing art are no longer closely tied to a ceremony or ritual alone. Sintren art absorbs the cultural values of the community so Sintren performing arts have become part of the culture of the Mirat community.

Assessment of Funding Approach to Adult Learning and Education in Rural Communities

The challenges of Nigeria as a nation require holistic approach and appropriate education to tackle for socio-economic development and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians. Adult learning and education (ALE) being a discipline with huge potentials for adults, is capable of tackling the problems. However, it needed to be scaled up through new initiatives and approaches. This study therefore, assessed the funding approach to ALE programmes in Ekiti State, Nigeria; with a view to understand how ALE programmes have been funded and implemented in Nigeria in recent times. Review of concepts and terms were carried out. Qualitative research method was used to obtain data. It was discovered that Ekiti state Government adopted specific need and service-oriented approach to funding and implementation of adult learning and education programmes in the State. The approach yielded positive results with 67 adult literacy centres established and 5,029 adult learners enrolled between 2019 and 2022. A total of 45 individuals and 12 faith based organisations sponsored ALE programmes. It is therefore recommended that government at all levels should adopt need and service-oriented approach to funding and implementation of ALE programmes with a view to make ALE relevant in providing solution to the Nigeria’s socio-economic, political, environmental and security challenges.

Effects of banditry on primary health care delivery in north-western Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of banditry on primary health care delivery in north-western Nigeria. Banditry has emerged as a critical concern in recent years in the region, affecting many sectors including healthcare systems. We examined how the escalating violence and insecurity have disrupted the provision of essential health services, leading to a range of adverse consequences, including the displacement of healthcare workers, the closure of health facilities, and the hindrance of medical supply chains in north-western Nigeria. The secondary sources of data reviewed show the detrimental effects of banditry on healthcare delivery in north-western Nigeria, particularly in rural communities. These effects included instilling fear among health workers, of which there are already insufficient numbers, hence forcing them away from healthcare centres and contributing to a malnutrition crisis. Thus, it is recommended that there should be robust security measures to safeguard healthcare facilities and workers, community outreach programs to educate local populations, telemedicine services and mobile clinics to provide healthcare services in areas with limited access due to security concerns, training of healthcare workers in conflict-prone areas in emergency response and conflict resolution to deal with security threats effectively, and collaboration with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders, and traditional healers to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery.

Construction Path of Rural Study Base Based on Service Design Concept

The establishment of rural study bases offers a promising opportunity to improve educational opportunities and community development in remote areas. This research investigates the development path of rural study bases using service design concepts that emphasize user-centric methods, stakeholder interaction, and iterative improvement procedures. Understanding rural communities' particular needs and goals allows remote study bases to plan and implement meaningful and impactful educational programs and services. Rural study bases strive to build favourable learning settings that encourage active engagement and cooperation by combining physical infrastructure development, digital resource integration, and community outreach efforts. This paper, using examples from diverse industries and situations, discusses essential issues and best practices for efficiently adopting service design principles in the establishment of rural study bases. Finally, rural studies based on service design concepts show promise for improving socioeconomic outcomes and empowering rural people through education. As an outcome, it provides high user satisfaction (94%), effective community outreach, excellent digital resource integration, enhanced academic performance, and strong stakeholder engagement

Efficacy of monthly treatment with oral fluralaner (Bravecto® 1-Month) against Tunga penetrans in dogs in Brazil: a randomized, double-blind, controlled field study.

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T.penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10-18mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions. The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05). A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42days after treatment.

Community‐based rainwater harvesting management: A lesson from best rural practices

AbstractWater is human life's most important natural gift to achieve health and wealth. The study attempts to trace the rural community‐based best practices to achieve water harvesting through an explanatory research and survey method. The study realized that there are various practices for water conservation in rural communities, especially in hilly regions, which enjoy numerous benefits. India has community‐based practices, including Artificial Lakes, Pani‐kheti, Kuhls, and a bamboo‐based drip irrigation system. In this study, data were collected through a questionnaire, and the benefits of community‐based water management in Dang, a district of Gujrat, India, were assessed. The case studies have revealed how water problems have been solved through community participation. It can be seen from Dang's case studies, which are also in line with the reviews of related literature, that his efforts have only had some success. The rural people, predominantly tribal, are facing a resource crunch and water crisis, and through community partnership, they can achieve desirable outcomes with the government's support. The study found that rural people have achieved cost efficiency and revenue benefits from cooperative strategies.

Obstacles to Women’s Adaptation and Capacity- Development in Flood-Affected Areas of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

Women in Bangladesh are disproportionately affected by recurrent flooding events, which have a negative impact on them. Women are more susceptible and less adaptable than males in flood disasters due to socio-cultural barriers perpetuated by society. The objective of this research is to explore the challenges impede women’s ability to adapt and increase their capacity in flood-affected areas of Bangladesh. To accomplish this goal, a qualitative research approach was utilized, including Focus Group Discussions with six unique groups, and conducting In-depth interviews with a total of thirty participants. The research illustrates that women’s susceptibility issues are worsened by rural communities and flood disasters due to their lack of adaptability. This is mostly attributed to the patriarchal culture prevalent in rural Bangladesh, which poses challenges in acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, resources, and capacity for adaption. Hence, this article argues in favour of the government’s unwavering commitment to effectively utilizing the complete potential of women to enhance their ability to adapt and integrate them into the broader fabric of society, thereby promoting positive societal progress by reducing their vulnerability.

Feasibility Assessment of a Small-Scale Agrivoltaics-Based Desalination Plant with Flywheel Energy Storage—Case Study: Namibia

As climate change and population growth threaten rural communities, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, rural electrification becomes crucial to addressing water and food security within the energy-water-food nexus. This study explores social innovation in microgrid projects, focusing on integrating micro-agrovoltaics (APV) with flywheel energy storage systems (FSSs) and small-scale water desalination and purification plants. Employing a mixed-methods approach to assess the economic viability of FSS and APV-powered desalination, we believe that social innovation could serve as a significant tool for rural development, requiring collaboration between governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. While FSS technology for microgrids has not been entirely developed, it holds promise as an alternative energy storage solution. Our capital budgeting analysis, presented within the context of social innovation, reveals positive Net Present Values (NPV) and a short payback period over the project’s 20-year lifespan.

The Impact of Income Disparity on Food Consumption—Microdata from Rural China

This paper examines the relationship between income inequality and consumption, utilizing panel data from rural China over a span of four years to validate the application of relative income theory in the domain of food consumption. Food consumption represents a significant portion of expenditures for the low-income demographic and is of vital importance to China’s food security and agricultural development. To ascertain the impact of income inequality on food consumption, this paper employs a bi-directional fixed-effects model, a mediation effect model, and machine learning causal analysis methods. Utilizing four years of rural resident survey data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey database, the study empirically tests the effect of income inequality on various types of food consumption, the channels through which it operates, and the heterogeneity among different income groups and educational backgrounds. The findings indicate that (1) income inequality within rural communities positively influences food consumption, and this conclusion remains robust under endogeneity treatment and robustness checks, positively affecting the transformation of food consumption and healthy intake; (2) income inequality among rural residents promotes food consumption through two mediating channels: the “demonstration effect” and the “ratchet effect;” (3) the impact of income inequality on food consumption exhibits heterogeneity among rural residents of different income levels and educational backgrounds.

The Obstacles of Women Entrepreneurship on Empowerment in Rural Communities KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

This research aims to determine barriers to the expansion of women-owned businesses in rural communities of South Africa. To collect data for the research, a quantitative research approach was adopted. The research focused on 250 female business owners in the northern KZN rural regions of Umzinyakude, Uthukela, and Ugu. According to the survey, the primary barriers to developing women-owned businesses in rural communities are financial restraints, an absence of formal education, and inadequate facilities. These hurdles, however, may be overcome by women businesses being entrepreneurs in rural South African communities. Eliminating these barriers might empower women entrepreneurs and drive growth in the economy in rural communities, lowering poverty and improving rural people's living conditions. In light of these findings, the research suggests a variety of measures, including different financing methods, focused training and schooling programs, and the development of infrastructure to help women-owned businesses flourish in rural communities. Further research should investigate more issues like cultural as well as social barriers, an absence of accessibility to marketplaces and information, and legal and regulatory obstacles that prevent women from starting business entities in rural communities.

The Equity Impact of Universal Home Visits to Pregnant Women and Their Spouses in Bauchi State, Nigeria: Secondary Analysis From a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.

Socio-economically disadvantaged women have poor maternal health outcomes. Maternal health interventions often fail to reach those who need them most and may exacerbate inequalities. In Bauchi State, Nigeria, a recent cluster randomised controlled trial (CRCT) showed an impressive impact on maternal health outcomes of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses. The home visitors shared evidence about local risk factors actionable by households themselves and the program included specific efforts to ensure all households in the intervention areas received visits. To examine equity of the intervention implementation and its pro-equity impact. The overall study was a CRCT in a stepped wedge design, examining outcomes among 15,912 pregnant women. We examined coverage of the home visits (three or more visits) and their impact on maternal health outcomes according to equity factors at community, household, and individual levels. Disadvantaged pregnant women (living in rural communities, from the poorest households, and without education) were as likely as those less disadvantaged to receive three or more visits. Improvements in maternal knowledge of danger signs and spousal communication, and reductions in heavy work, pregnancy complications, and post-natal sepsis were significantly greater among disadvantaged women according to the same equity factors. The universal home visits had equitable coverage, reaching all pregnant women, including those who do not access facility-based services, and had an important pro-equity impact on maternal health.