Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October-December | Volume: 5 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 14-19
A Mixed-Method Study on Assessment of Village Health Nutrition Day Sessions in Rural Areas of South India
Sharanappa Sangamad1, Gulappa Devagappanavar2
1Master of Public Health Scholar, 2Guest Faculty in Department of Public Health;
School of Environmental Science, Public Health and Sanitation Management; Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, Karnataka.
Corresponding Author: Sharanappa Sangamad
ABSTRACT
Background: The VHND is to be organized once every month (preferably on Wednesdays and for those villages that have been left out, on any other day of the same month) at the AWC in the village. This will ensure uniformity in organizing the VHND. The Anganwadi worker is identified as the hub for service provision in the RCH-II, NRHM, and also as a platform for inter-sectoral convergence. VHND if organized regularly and effectively can bring about the much needed behavioural changes in the community, and can also induce health-seeking behaviour in the community leading to better health outcomes.
Objectives:
- To assess the activities conducting during VHND sessions.
- To assess the knowledge about in VHND among the panchayat members.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional mixed-method study. The study was carried out in rural areas of Gadag district covering Primary Health Centres (PHC) & Outreach Services rendered under the Primary Health care. So a total of 10 VHND was observed. On every Wednesday, VHND was observed based on a checklist prepared from the Government of India and Govt. of Odisha guidelines on VHND. Availability of logistics and quality of immunization service was assessed. The study was carried out during 1st July 2019 to 31st October 2019.
Results: Sessions were organized as per micro-plan at 10 VHNDs visited. A presence of health workers during VHND was assessed. Anganwadi workers were present in 8 VHND sessions which were held in the Anganwadi centres. In our study, almost all VHND sessions ASHA worker were present and performed all activities and roles. More than one-third of logistics were in usable conditions and quality of the services also satisfactory.
Conclusion: There is lack of logistics availability in a rural area. Reasons behind the same need to be explored and appropriate corrective measures need to be taken which might help to improve services provided during VHND sessions.
Keywords: VHNSC; Gram Panchayat; Service availability; FGD; VHND Activities; Karnataka