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Evaluating a large-scale community-based intervention to improve pregnancy and newborn health among the rural poor in India

Author

Listed:
  • Acharya, A.
  • Lalwani, T.
  • Dutta, R.
  • Rajaratnam, J.K.
  • Ruducha, J.
  • Varkey, L.C.
  • Wunnava, S.
  • Menezes, L.
  • Taylor, C.
  • Bernson, J.

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of the Sure Start project, which was implemented in 7 districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, to improve maternal and newborn health. Methods: Interventions were implemented at 2 randomly assigned levels of intensity. Forty percent of the areas received a more intense intervention, including community-level meetings with expectant mothers. A baseline survey consisted of 12 000 women who completed pregnancy in 2007; a follow-up survey was conducted for women in 2010 in the same villages. Our quantitative analyses provide an account of the project's impact. Results: We observed significant health improvements in both intervention areas over time; in the more intensive intervention areas, we found greater improvements in care-seeking and healthy behaviors. The more intensive intervention areas did not experience a significantly greater decline in neonatal mortality. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that community-based efforts, especially mothers' group meetings designed to increase care-seeking and healthy behaviors, are effective and can be implemented at large scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Acharya, A. & Lalwani, T. & Dutta, R. & Rajaratnam, J.K. & Ruducha, J. & Varkey, L.C. & Wunnava, S. & Menezes, L. & Taylor, C. & Bernson, J., 2015. "Evaluating a large-scale community-based intervention to improve pregnancy and newborn health among the rural poor in India," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(1), pages 144-152.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302092_7
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302092
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