iii research design -...

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III RESEARCH DESIGN

The methodology of the study on “Educational Intervention on

Enhancing Hygiene Management Practices among Women in Urban

Slums of Coimbatore Corporation” consisted of the following steps:

A. Planning the study

B. Educating women on hygiene management practices

C. Assessing the impact of the educational intervention programme


Planning the study comprised of the following two steps:

A.1. Need Assessment

A.2. Preparation for the educational intervention programme

A.1. Need Assessment

The assessment of basic needs in health and hygiene for a targeted

population is the fundamental step to formulate the scope and detailed plan

for the educational intervention programme. The assessment of health-needs

is a “systematic process of identifying priority health issues, targeting the

population with most need and taking action in the most cost effective and

efficient way” (Davies, 2007). The process of need assessment had been

carried out through the following steps:

A.1.1. Selection of area

A.1.2. Selection of sample

A.1.3. Selection of tools

A.1.4. Collection of data

A.1.5. Analysis and interpretation of data

The activities planned in each phase of the need assessment, in

accordance with the research design, are described in the following sections:

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A.1.1. Selection of area

The area selected for the study was Coimbatore Municipal Corporation,

Tamil Nadu, South India. Coimbatore city is governed by Municipal

Corporation which comes under Coimbatore Metropolitan Region. As per

provisional reports of Census India (2011), population of Coimbatore in 2011

was 1,061,447; of which males and females constitute 531,017 (50.03 per

cent) and 530,430 (49.97 per cent) respectively. Although Coimbatore city has

a population of 1,061,447, its urban / metropolitan population is 2,151,466

of which 1,077,812 (50.09 per cent) are males and 1,073,654

(49.90 per cent) are females. The total number of literates in Coimbatore city

is 885,471 of which 457,982 are males while 427,489 are females.

(http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/492-coimbatore.html).

The two areas namely Kavundampalayam under ward no: 8 and

Kamarajapuram under ward no: 45, situated within 2 Kms and 1 km

respectively from the University, were selected for the study. Kamarajapuram,

consisting of five streets is a glaring and disturbing example of an urban slum

located at the heart of the city. Lying on the Coimbatore - Mettupalayam

highway, this slum has been existing for the past fifty years or more without

any sign of improvement. Paradoxically, this slum lies in close proximity to

the city’s most modern and luxurious shopping-cum-entertainment complex.

A walk into the narrow lane of Kamarajapuram gives a grim picture of

the living conditions. The lane, which is a walkway for just two people, is lined

with series of huts on either side. The huts are very small, abutting each other

and sharing common walls on both sides. The huts provided just the cooking

and sleeping space but totally devoid of any ventilation. The occupants were

carrying out their daily routine like washing clothes and utensils on the narrow

lane. They are constrained to live in harmony with street dogs, goats and a

host of animals around them. Almost all of them are dependent upon the

public toilets at the end of the road, which is inadequate and pathetically

unhygienic (Plate III).

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The neighbourhood has a Balawadi which is kept in very shabby

condition and had very poor patronage. In contrast the tasmac bar, probably

considered as an essential amenity, drew high patronage draining the income

and health of the residents. The scene at Kamarajapuram, which has been

named after a great leader with great expectations, was a symbol of

ignorance of residents, indifference of administration and apathy of society.

Kavundampalayam is spread across five wards - 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

The 8th ward is the biggest, consisting of five divisions namely Annai Indira

nagar, Jeeva nagar, Sreedevi nagar, Balaji nagar and Om nagar. This urban

squatter has been in existence for fifteen years. The lifestyle of the people in

this area is found to be slightly influenced by the middle income group of

people living in the adjacent area. This is the second urban slum selected for

study (Figure 1).

Accessibility through public transport and the rapport being established

by the students of the university since 1969 through various extension

activities were the other conducive factors for the selection of the area.

Awareness means sensitising the people about their living situation.

People are enlightened to think what they are, what ought to be, and what

they can be. Awareness is created through social education programmes,

dramas, street plays, exposure, trainings, meetings, demonstration, group

discussions, PRA, information sharing, people to people learning etc (Bhose,

2003).

An awareness generation programme on “Hygiene Management for

Healthy Life” was conducted at Kamarajapuram. The local elected councillors,

sanitary inspector representing Coimbatore Municipal Corporation, Youth club

leaders, self-help group women were involved in the programme.

Dr. K.Thangamani, Dean, Faculty of Home science, Avinashilingam

Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women presided over

the programme. Mr. Ascar Elvadson, Microbiologist, a Swedish gentleman at

Amritha Vishwa Vidhya Peetham, Coimbatore in his speech stressed on how

the technology of Effective Microorganisms (EM) can be applied safely for

home management especially liquid and solid waste at an affordable price

(Plate IV).

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A.1.2. Selection of sample

A sample is a limited number of individuals selected to obtain

information about some characteristics of the population from which they are

drawn (Gupta, 2004). Multistage sampling design was followed for the study.

Multistage Sampling refers to survey designs in which the population

units are hierarchically arranged and the sample is selected in stages

corresponding to the levels of the hierarchy. At each stage, only units within

the higher level units selected at the previous stage are considered.

The simplest type of multistage sampling is two-stage sampling. In the first

stage, a sample of higher level units is selected. In the second stage, a

sample of lower level units within the higher level units selected at the first

stage is selected (Liao, 2004).

For the initial data collection, a total of 550 samples were selected.

This total comprised of 350 women from Kavundampalayam and 200 women

from Kamarajapuram. The samples from Kavundampalayam consisted of

70 women from each of the 5 divisions while the samples from

Kamarajapuram consisted of 40 women from each of the five streets.

The samples were selected using simple random method through multistage

sampling technique. The purpose of selection was to create a database on

socio-economic profile and existing hygiene management practices related to

personal hygiene, food hygiene and environmental hygiene of women in the

selected areas of the study and to assess the health and hygiene needs.

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SELECTION OF SAMPLE

FIGURE 2

A.1.3. Selection of tools and methods

The interview schedule is generally filled out by the research worker or

the enumerator, who can interpret the questions whenever necessary

(Kothari, 2007). Hence an interview schedule was prepared to collect the

needed data from the selected women (Appendix I). A well-constructed and

pre-tested interview schedule was used for the collection of data.

A.1.4. Collection of data

Interview method was selected as a tool for collection of data, as this is

considered to have close contacts on a personal level to seek the desired

information (Kothari, 2001). The researcher personally interviewed the women

to collect the data through survey encompassing the socio-economic

background of the respondents, their knowledge on personal hygiene, food

hygiene, environmental hygiene, health status of the families and the

utilisation of health services provided to them.

A.1.5. Analysis and interpretation of data

The data after collection have to be processed and analysed in

accordance with the outline laid down for the purpose at the time of

Kavundampalayam

Coimbatore

Kamarajapuram

48

developing the research plan. Technically, processing implies, editing, coding,

classification and tabulation of the collected data (Kothari, 2005). The data

thus collected was analysed and interpreted statistically using the following

tests:

i. Percentage

ii. Paired ‘t’ test

iii. Chi square test

iv. Anova

v. t test

vi. Correlation

A.2. Preparation for educational intervention progr amme

The preparation for educational intervention programme consisted of

the following steps:

A.2.1. Formulation of training curriculum

A.2.2. Preparation of IEC materials

A.2.1. Formulation of curriculum

Curriculum development is the most important part in any

training/educational programme. Assessment of needs of the stakeholders

enabled the researcher to formulate a specific programme. The curriculum

specifies what will be taught and how it will be taught. The curriculum for the

educational intervention programme has been given shape clearly defining

the content, the resource person to conduct, the aids and tools for

communication.

The course content of the educational programme is given in Table I.

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TABLE I

COURSE CONTENT FOR EDUCATION ON HYGIENE MANAGEMENT

Unit Content Resource person Methods/Aids used

1. Hygiene Management Meaning, the scenario in suburbs / slums. Better hygiene management towards sound health.

Researcher

Lecture and Documentary film.

2.

Personal hygiene Meaning, importance and components i. Care of the infants: hygienic bathing, clothing, breast and bottle feeding. Care of the pre-school and school going children - hygienic bathing, clothing and feeding.

Researcher and Paediatrician.

Story telling with flash cards and power point presentation Lecture cum Interactive session.

ii. Oral hygiene: Care for the mouth, teeth, tongue and throat to prevent infections.

Researcher and Dentist

Lecture with flash cards Lecture, power point presentation and group discussion.

iii. Skin, hair and nails: Functions, need and methods of proper care. a) Body hygiene: frequent hand wash and proper bathing. b) Laundry hygiene, decontamination of fabrics.

Researcher and Dermatologist

Lecture with flash cards. Lecture, interaction and power point presentation.

iv. Reproductive (feminine) hygiene: Female reproductive system, hygienic care at different stages - adolescent girls, pregnant and nursing mothers and family planning

Researcher and Gynaecologist

Lecture with flash cards Power point presentation and discussion.

v. Eye care Lack of hygiene leading to diseases-conjunctivitis, trachoma Care of eye injuries while cleaning, cooking, for mothers, and for children while playing. Proper light settings in the work area, routine care of the eyes, nutritious food for good vision.

Researcher and Ophthalmologist

Lecture with flash cards power point presentations and Interactive session

3. Food hygiene: Handling of foods, utensils and dishes to prevent transmission of food- borne diseases. Food safety, food spoilage and consumer awareness on purchase of processed foods.

Researcher and Nutritionist

Lecture with flash cards, power point presentation and interactive session

4. Environmental hygiene i. Transmission of diseases due to poor environmental sanitation. ii. Biotechnology intervention EM (Effective micro-organisms technology) for domestic cleaning and garbage recycling.

Corporation Sanitary Inspector, Technology Expert and Researcher

Video show Interactive session Lecture cum demonstration

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A.2.2. Preparation of IEC materials

Information Education and Communication package was developed by

the researcher in vernacular (Tamil) to suit the needs identified. The package

consisted of flash cards, posters and leaflet.

Flash cards are series of cards which when presented before the

audience in proper sequence, tell a complete story. Each card is of about 10 to

12 inches in size and contains a picture or diagram. Each individual card is

flashed before the audience accompanied by the verbal commentary

(O.P.Dahama and O.P.Bhatnagar, 2005). Flash cards were developed on

three components namely personal hygiene, food hygiene and environmental

hygiene and these were used by the investigator for enhancing the lectures.

The content of the flash cards are briefly outlined below (Appendix XII).

An article on Role of women in Municipal Solid waste management

written in vernacular (Tamil), by the researcher, Harihara Priya.E and

Alamelu.R was published in Vignana Chudar - a science magazine was an

added effort of the researcher in arousing interest among women towards

environmental hygiene management (Appendix XIII).

Personal hygiene

Instructions were given about hygiene management of each part of the

human body in detail with the help of flash cards on care for hands, care for

eyes, care for teeth, care for feet, care for nails, care for hair and care during

menstruation.

Food hygiene

The various aspects of hygiene in cooking such as effects of cooking in

the open areas, eating food sitting near the dust bin, cleaning of vegetables

before cutting, avoidance of touching the hair, mouth, ears and nose while

cooking, ill effects of buying uncovered food from the street vendors, use of

ladles and lids, use of a closed dust bin in the kitchen to collect peals and left

over food were explained.

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Environmental hygiene

Regarding environmental hygiene the various aspects such as

importance of segregating waste into decomposable and non-decomposable,

disposal of plastic waste into the recycle bin, disposal of garbage into to street

bin, addressing the problem of stagnation of water, ill effects of open

defecation were explained.

Posters

A good poster arouses or urges people for immediate action and is

highly suggestive. It makes them feel as part of the work at hand

(Reddy, 2001). Two posters were prepared on the application of probiotics

namely EM (Effective Microorganisms) for hygiene management

(Appendix XII). To create public awareness these posters were placed in

prominent places of the selected area.

Leaflets

Leaflets are effective mass media for literate people. They are used

extensively for publicity and non-formal education rather than for class room

teaching (Chandra et al, 2001). Leaflets were prepared on the method of

preparation of EM2 from EM1 stock solution and its application for hygiene

management (Appendix XII).

B. Educating the women on hygiene management

The education of women on hygiene management practices comprised

of two stages.

B.1. Selection of women for education programme.

B.2. Conduct of the educational intervention programme on hygiene

management practices using IEC materials.

B.1. Selection of women for the education programme

Fifty women, drawn from the total of 550 women who were samples for

the initial data collection to ascertain the need for the study, constituted the

target group for the education programme.

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Twenty five women were drawn from each of the two selected areas

Kavundampalayam and Kamarajapuram respectively. These women were

distributed in different streets covered for the initial data collection and had

attended the awareness programme on “Hygiene management for healthy

life”. Hence they were acclimatised with the purpose of the project who

agreed to serve as samples for the education programme.

SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMME

FIGURE 3

B.2. Conduct of the educational intervention programme on hygiene

management practices using IEC Materials / methods

Education on hygiene management practices was imparted to the

selected women based on the curriculum developed through appropriate

extension methods. The major thrust given in the education programme is

detailed in Table II.

Kavundampalayam Kamarajapuram

25

Coimbatore

25

50

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TABLE II

THRUST AREAS COVERED IN THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME

S.No Aspect Rationale

1. Need for hygiene management

The scenario in suburbs and slums, poor sanitation, open defecation, clogged drainages, poor maintenance of the public toilet, overflowing street bins surrounded by mosquitoes, rodents, dogs and birds which are root cause for many gastro- intestinal and respiratory diseases.

Children and women who stay at home are the host for such communicable diseases.

2. Personal hygiene

.

Meaning and importance

Components - oral, skin and hair, eyes, reproductive hygiene

Care of the infants - bathing, clothing, breast and bottle feeding.

Bathing the child with mild soap using water in suitable temperature according to the climate

Clothing for comfort in accordance with the season

Importance of changing the diapers frequently

Laundering baby clothes in hot water with mild soap

Sterilization of feeding bottles, hygiene practice in oral feeding (supplementary feeding)

Care of the preschool and school going children - bathing, clothing and feeding.

Habit formation in brushing, bathing, combing, clothing, use of shoes and chappals, frequent and thorough hand washing and eating, grooming of nails and toilet training.

Hygienic laundering.

3. Oral hygiene

Introduction to oral hygiene,

Brushing techniques and care of gums,

Brushing before and after bedtime,

Use of pea sized tooth paste containing fluoride, mouth wash ,tongue cleaner and floss,

Care of the milk teeth, wisdom teeth and sensitive teeth

Problems due to tobacco and pawn chewing habits,

Common diseases due to improper oral hygiene - bad odour, cavities, sensitive teeth, gingivitis, bleeding gums and oral cancer.

4. Skin and Hair care

Skin – Regular bathing with soap according to the skin condition,

Skin allergies, skin diseases

Avoiding change of soap, shampoo and oil to protect skin and hair,

Common diseases – skin allergies, dermatitis, cracks, skin discoloration,

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psoriasis, edema, fungal/viral infections, worm manifestations

Hair - need for regular washing, application of oil, and combing,

Problems - Splitting of ends, hair fall, dandruff, thinning of hair and premature greying

Tips for healthy skin and hair:

Use of moisturizer/oil for hot/cold seasons

Healthy foods for skin and hair- protein and mineral rich food

Care of nails - washing hands and legs during bath and before bed time and trimming once a week.

5. Eye care

Daily care of the eyes,

Nutritious food for good vision,

Proper light setting in the work area,

Watching television without blinking for long time is a strain to eye muscles,

Consultation of the eye specialist for children and adult when difficulty in vision arises,

Importance of regular eye checkup for diabetic patients and those who are wearing glasses,

Common diseases of the eyes,

Redness due to allergy, short sight, long sight, Xerophthalmia, conjunctivitis and trachoma.

Sleep and good nutrition for eyes.

Conduct of an eye camp for the participants

6. Reproductive (feminine) Hygiene

Parts of the female reproductive system and its function

Hygienic care of the reproductive organs daily/menstruation period.

Common urogenital infections, symptoms of infections and need for timely medical care to avoid malignancy.

Importance of balanced diet and proper exercise for women.

7. Food hygiene

Hygiene in handling of raw and cooked food to prevent spoilage, Labeling of food- flours, spices, items in container with date,

Care in selection of the packed foods - manufacturing and expiry date

Storage of raw/cooked food in refrigerator

Proper disposal of left-over food

Standards for ensuring quality of products - ISI, Agmark,

Demonstration on low cost nutritious food (Amritham).

8.


Poor sanitation is the cause for the outbreak of diseases -

Improper maintenance of drainages and faulty disposal of household wastes,

Open defecation,

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Stagnation of water leading to breading of mosquitoes and flies.

Preventive measures-proper maintenance of drainage, toilet training for children, safe disposal /recycling of the kitchen waste, safe disposal of the decomposable waste /non decomposable waste through sanitary workers of the municipal corporation.

9. Use of probiotics in sanitation

Effective microorganisms (EM) as probiotics used for sanitation: origin, concept and its role in household and environmental hygiene management.

Application of EM:

(a) Preparations of EM products - EM2 and EM Bokashi, converting kitchen garbage into compost,

(b) EM2 for household cleaning and Washing clothes

Precautions to be followed in the use of EM.

The IEC package specifically developed by the researcher, including

posters, leaflets and flash cards, was used in accordance with the topics given

in the curriculum.

The education programme was conducted for a period of one year,

was initiated with awareness creation and ended up with efforts to follow up.

The researcher, as a home scientist, imparted education on the topics planned

to the selected women taking into consideration of their knowledge, socio-

economic factors and living conditions. To create confidence and conviction

among the participants, the researcher organised special lectures with medical

and health specialists. Thus the women were exposed to lectures, interactive

sessions, hands on experiences such as method demonstration and result

demonstration. The special lectures were supported by power point

presentation with suitable illustrations. The specialists in the fields of

Paediatrics, Dentistry, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dermatology and

Ophthalmology and Nutritionist visited the site and delivered lectures which

enlisted lively participation and interaction. The salient features of the

education programme were:

a. Lecture and video show / Power Point Presentatio n

The lecture method is extensively used to present authoritative or

technical information to develop background and appreciation and to integrate

ideas (Reddy, 2001). The lecture on need for hygiene management was

followed by a video show on the scenario of a slum exhibiting features of poor

sanitation and its ill effects, with few case studies (Plate V).

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Personal hygiene

Education was imparted to the women on the desirable practices such

as care for eyes, nails, hair, oral and menstrual hygiene. Flash cards were

used for educating the women on desirable practices for their betterment.

Nutrition and hygiene

The importance of nutrition for good health and the impact of hygiene

in extracting the nutrition from food, during its preparation were explained to

the participants.

Care for the infants and children

The causes for diarrheal diseases for infants, symptoms of dehydration

due to diarrhoea, need for continued breast feeding during the episode and

feeding Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), to avoid dehydration, importance

of timely immunization against communicable diseases were the topics

covered (Plate VI).

Oral hygiene

The lecture on Oral hygiene included brushing techniques and care of

the gums. The common ailments such as gingivitis, bleeding gums, cavities,

rotten tooth, causes for gum disease, plague, root canal treatment, extraction

of affected teeth and oral cancer were covered with illustrations (Plate V).

Skin and Hair care

Care for healthy hair - regular oiling, combing, washing and drying to

prevent splitting of hair and intake of protein rich foods for healthy growth and

use of natural dyes if needed, separate soaps and towels for each person in

the family to maintain hygiene.

Care of nails - Proper method of trimming the nails, avoidance of

nibbling and equal care of nails and cuticles in hands and feet.

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Skin care - Bathing with soap suitable to the skin, avoiding excessive use of

creams and soaps affecting the natural protection of the skin, symptoms of

worm infestation in children, care of the diabetic feet and skin diseases were

explained (Plate VII).

Reproductive hygiene

The anatomy of the female reproductive system, causes for common

infections in breasts and genital organs, hygienic practices such as use of

clean and dry inners, dos and don’ts in the use of sanitary napkins, cleaning

the breasts with mild soap before and after feeding the baby, use of

supportive braziers, self-examination of breasts for detection of lump if any,

adequate intake of water during menstrual period were explained by the

specialist (Plate VII).

Eye care

An eye camp was organised with Sankara Eye Care Centre,

Coimbatore. Screening tests for cataract, glaucoma, trachoma and vision were

carried out. Participants were educated on the need for regular eye check-up,

need for consultation when problems such as irritation, redness of eyes,

watering of eyes while watching television or while reading, impingement of

metallic particles into the eyes (Plate VIII).

Food hygiene

The researcher pointed out some of the prevailing undesirable

practices that women need to be conscious of: preparing and serving foods in

the open area especially in unhygienic conditions, touching the facial parts

while cooking, meddling with hair and coughing / sneezing, buying food from

street vendors, washing vegetables after cutting, use of the open dust bin.

The hygiene aspects covering all the above as well as the general

hygiene practices were emphasised by the researcher in her interactive

sessions (Plate IX).

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More than a hundred trucks piled high with garbage, line up at the

entrance of the Coimbatore Corporation dump yard at Vellalore to be sprayed

with effective microorganisms (EM) solution. This is meant to breakdown the

organic wastes faster. But, as most of the garbage is inside plastic bags, very

little of the liquid penetrates through them to reach the waste.

Statistics reveal that, on an average, every Coimbatorean contributes

500 grams of waste a day to the dump yard; much of it is plastic and non-

degradable in nature. Once the existing garbage is sealed, and if all

segregated garbage at home and sent only their wet waste, this area could

soon shrink to just 25 acres from 200 acres. On the other hand if the garbage

at home is decomposed using EM and deposited into the Corporation trucks

or the value added product of EM as compost is utilised these would help

better environment management. Thus every citizen becomes a contributor to

the wellbeing of the society (Rao, 2012).

Women’s role in handling and disposing of waste cannot be

overlooked. The challenge faced in solid waste management can be efficiently

tackled if every home maker is educated in the use of EM technology. Hence

the researcher initiated the technology to the target group through method

and result demonstration.

In order to gain acquaintance and confidence with the EM technology

that could be imparted to the women, the researcher collected kitchen

garbage regularly and sprayed with activated EM2 solution (the procedure for

the preparation as given below). At the end of the week, the garbage was put

into the pit, dug at the backyard. This procedure was repeated for a period of

one month. Afterwards the garbage was toppled with 10 kg of wet cow dung,

2 kg of groundnut cake (dissolved in hot water and aerated) and 500 grams of

EM Bokashi (EM fermented rice husk). The whole arrangement was kept

closed with a net, gunny bags and polythene sheet, one over the other and

kept for a period of 40 days. Water was sprayed 3 times at an interval of 10

days to maintain the moisture content about 55-60%. After 40 days fermented

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compost free from odour, white mould appearing from the top with soft texture

was ready for use.

A comparative study was made in growing rose cuttings with and

without EM. The procedure followed in growing the plants were as per EM

application manual (Maple Orgtech (India) Pvt Ltd, Kolkata). Rose cutting /

plants were grown in different places, one set (2 cuttings) in front of the house

(with EM) and the other set (2 cuttings) in the backyard 30 feet away from the

compost pit without EM. The soil was prepared with EM compost and watered

with EM2 in the dilution of 1:500 repeatedly to keep the soil wet and kept for 2

weeks. Rose cuttings were dipped in diluted EM2 (1:200) and kept for 20

minutes before planting. The cuttings were planted at an interval of 30 cms.

For every watering of the plants EM2 was added (1:500). The researcher

could witness healthy growth of the plants with leaves and branches. Two

times foliar spray with EM2 (1:1000) was given at an interval of 15 days until

the start of budding. Every time the flowers were plucked the researcher could

notice the difference between the plants grown with and without EM. The

plants grown with EM had more number of flowers, lustrous and bigger in

size. The researcher also tried out the application of EM2 for diversified

purposes as detailed in table III and found it effective.

Having convinced with the EM technology, the researcher decided to

educate the women on the application of EM for recycling garbage into useful

compost. Preparations of activated EM1 (EM2), EM Bokashi, and EM

Compost were demonstrated and interactions were made with the women on

the applications of EM products (Plate X).

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Method Demonstration

Method demonstration is a relatively short time demonstration given

before a group to show how to carry on entirely new practices or old practices

in a better way (Reddy, 2001). A demonstration is a very effective method of

teaching a skill.

Preparations

1. Activated EM1 (EM2) - 1 litre

Materials

1. EM1 Solution - 50 ml

2. Powdered jaggery - 75 gms

3. Water (natural/if chlorinated then aerate and use) - to make up to 1

litre

Procedure

Powdered jaggery was dissolved in warm water and poured in a plastic

bottle / can of 1 litre capacity having a cap to cover air tight. The stock

solution was poured into the bottle. The remaining portion (leaving some

space below the neck for easy handling) was filled with warm water and

closed air tight. The plastic bottle was kept away from direct sunlight, in a dark

place for 7-8 days. The pressure built up due to the gas inside the container

was released by unscrewing the cap of the container once in a day. After a

week there was a change in the colour, from brown to light orange, white

mould on the top of the solution, accompanied with sweet sour smell. The

solution was then ready to use. The respondents were told that one litre of

EM1 can be multiplied into 20 litres of EM2.

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Caution:

1. Activated EM (EM2) solution must never be multiplied, as one

cannot prevent contamination.

2. Since there is a slow decline in quality and microbial population over

time, it should be used up within 20-30 days (better before 25

days).

3. As EM2 under fermentation generates gas and tends to distend the

container, no glass container should be used.

Interactions were held with the women who had reported positive effects

on the use of EM in home related activities elsewhere. Thus, the researcher

had gained confidence on the EM technology to be disseminated among the

respondents.

2. EM Bokashi – 5 kg

Bokashi is the Japanese term for “organic matter”. Bokashi is rich EM

fermented compost. It enhances the plant growth and acts as soil conditioning

agent.

Materials

1. Rice bran – 5 kg

2. EM stock solution - 10 ml

3. Jaggery/palmgar - 10 gms

4. Luke warm water - required to maintain 13 per cent moisture in

Bokashi (500 ml Non-chlorinated).

Procedure

Powdered jaggery was dissolved in a plastic container. Add 10 ml of

EM solution into this. The dissolved jaggery with EM was mixed with rice bran

thoroughly leaving no lumps. The mixture was then kept in a polythene bag.

The bag was tied tightly and put in another polythene bag and again tied air

tight. This was kept for 7-8 days in wet/cold season and 3-4 days in hot

season. (The completion of the Bokashi fermentation could be identified from

sweet – sour smell and also white mould appearing on top of the rice bran

mixture). The Bokashi was then ready to use.

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The women were informed that Bokashi can be utilised as feed for

cattle, and for birds such as duck and hen. The expiration of Bokashi is one

week, afterwards rancidity can be noticed. But Bokashi can be shade dried

and stored in polythene bags/air tight container and used for long time as

feed. Bokashi can also be used in the manure, for decomposing organic/farm

wastes/kitchen garbage into useful compost for crop cultivation or kitchen

gardening. Leaflets prepared in vernacular (Tamil) were distributed to the

women (Appendix III).

3. EM compost

Materials

1. Kitchen garbage – 25 kgs

2. Cow dung – 10 kgs

3. Groundnut cake – 2 kgs

4. EM Bokashi – 1 kg.

Procedure

A suitable place not disturbed by rain or sunlight was selected, under a

shady tree where the heap was to be made. The diluted EM solution was

sprayed on the ground where compost was to be made. A heap of organic

matter was made with a portion of cow dung, EM Bokashi and ground nut

cake dissolved in water over the cow dung. The process was repeated to

make layers alternatively with kitchen garbage, EM Bokashi, cow dung and

ground nut cake till all the materials were utilised so as to make a heap and

water was sprinkled over the heap to maintain the moisture content. Then

they are covered with gunny bags and coconut leaves.

The arrangement was left for 20 days. The moisture content of the

heap was checked and given two turnings. Afterwards, 3-4 holes were made

on the heap and EM2 solution (1:500) was poured to keep the moisture

content between 50-60%. After 45 days the fermented compost free from

odour, white mould appearing on the biomass, with soft texture was ready for

use (Plate XI).

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Women were given guidance for the application of EM in household

management. Application of EM technology in home management practices

had been tried out among the selected farm women successfully

(Alamelu, 2006). Hence the researcher replicated the same among the

women in the selected area.

The details of the application are given in Table III and Plate XI.

TABLE III

APPLICATION OF EM TECHNOLOGY IN HYGIENE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

S.No Aspects Details of Applications *

1. EM for house hold cleanliness

a. Spray into toilets/drains (1:250 ml water) to remove unpleasant odour and prevent clogging

b. Sprinkle over cooking vessels (1:250 ml water).

c. Spray on electronic appliances - Radio, Television, DVD Player etc. (1:500 ml water) and wipe to remove odour, fungus and insects.

d. Spray on pets (1:1000 ml water) to remove foul odour, ticks and improve their coat texture

e. Add EM2 (1:1000 ml water) in drinking water and allow the pet (goat) to drink as to ensure elimination of foul odour in urine and excreta. EM promotes general health of the animal by regulating the digestive system.

f. Pour into sinks and bathrooms (1:250 ml water) to remove odour and grime

g. Clean fleshy foods with EM2 (1:500 ml water) to control odour and prevent from flies.

2. EM for kitchen waste management

a. Sprinkle EM2 and Bokashi on the kitchen waste / peel of vegetables, fruits or discarded foods in plastic buckets (daily), turn it and close with lid. Repeat the application until the bucket is full and bury the same in a pit dug on the mud floor allow it for a month for decomposition. Odourless, dark brown coloured valuable compost is ready to use.

b. The kitchen waste sprinkled with EM2 can be given away to the Corporation worker who daily collects waste

* Maple Orgtech (India) Pvt Ltd. Kolkata.

For the sustained application of EM for home management activities,

the women were organised into groups and guided to prepare the value added

products of EM such as EM2, EM Bokashi, EM Compost, labelling and fixing

of price for each product and market the same. Frequent contact with the

women eased the researcher to get the feedback (Plate XI and Plate XII).

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C. Assessing the impact of the educational interven tion programme

Evaluation is the process of determining the extent to which objectives

have been attained. It is the process of systematically drawing upon

experience as a means of making future efforts more effective

(Manoharan, 2008). The impact of the education programme was evaluated.

C.1. Tools for evaluation

The tools used for the evaluation of the educational intervention were

checklist, case study and the statistical tool namely the Paired ‘t’ test.

C.2. Impact of the education programme

The impact of the education programme on personal hygiene, food

hygiene and environmental hygiene management on the women was

evaluated in the following areas:

C.2.a. Knowledge gained

C.2.b. Attitude developed

C.2.c. Practices adopted

C.2.a. Knowledge gained

Knowledge is the prerequisite for adoption of any innovation.

Knowledge is an assemblage of facts, information and skills which acquires

through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of

a subject and also the awareness of familiarity gained by experience of a fact

or situation (Oxford Dictionary).

Knowledge was operationalized as the amount of information that the

women possessed regarding the practices for the betterment of personal,

food and environmental hygiene management. The extent of knowledge

gained by the women was assessed by knowledge inventory comprising

questions related to the respective areas (Appendices II-VII).

C.2.b. Attitude developed

Type of attitude has a direct bearing on the adoption of any innovative

programme. Summated scales (or Likert-type scales) are developed by

73

utilising the item analysis approach. A particular item is evaluated on the basis

of how well it discriminates between those persons whose total score is high

and those whose score is low. Those items or statements that best meet this

sort of discrimination are included finally.

The respondent indicates his agreement or disagreement with each

statement in the instrument. Each response is given a score, indicating its

favourableness or unfavourableness, and the scores are totalled to measure

the respondents’ position on the continuum of favourableness towards an

issue. Thus, a summated scale of a number of statements which express

either a favourable or unfavourable attitude towards a given object to which

the respondent is asked to react is assembled. Most frequently used

summated scales in the study of social attitudes follow the pattern devised by

Likerts. For this reason they are often called Likert-type scales (inflibnet.ac.in).

In order to obtain the right reflection of the participant’s attitude

towards suggested practices for healthy life, an attitude scale was developed

based on Likerts Summated rating scale technique. Each item in the scale

was provided with 3 response categories as favourable, neutral and

unfavourable with scores 3, 2 and 1 respectively (Appendix VIII).

C.2.c. Practices adopted

Adoption is a decision to use the practices on continued basis

(Reddy, 2001). The symbolic adoption of technology is the explicit form of

expression and acceptance of ideas, practices and techniques learnt from

education. Therefore the extent of adoption of the EM technology related to

personal, food, household and environmental hygiene management by

selected women was assessed using a check list. The percentage analysis

was carried out based on the researcher’s observation obtained by response

to the questionnaire shown in Appendix IX.

74

The research design adopted for the study is depicted in Figure 4.


Need Analysis • Selection of area • Selection of women • Selection of methods and tools • Collection of the data • Analysis and interpretation of data Preparation for Education Programme • Formulation of training curriculum • Preparation of IEC materials

B. Educating the women

on hygiene

management practices

• Selection of women for education programme

• Conduct of education programme on hygiene management practices using IEC Materials /methods Posters, Leaflets, Flash cards, PowerPoint presentation, Video show, Group Discussions, Interactive session, Field trips, method demonstration and observation

C. Evaluation of the

Education Programme

Tools for Evaluation • Checklist, Knowledge inventory , case study • Statistical tools-paired t test.

Impact of the education programme on the respondents - on Personal Hygiene, Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene Management.

a. Knowledge gained b. Attitude developed c. Adoption of practices

DIAGRAM SHOWING THE RESEARCH DESIGN

FIGURE 4

iii research design -...

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