Report on the final evaluation of health education project

Final evaluation covers the period 10/79-10/84 and is based primarily on a questionnaire survey of 1,137 women and data from a child weight measurement program. The questionnaire survey compared child care practices in villages where health education (HE) was provided with those in nonparticipating villages. The results indicate a definite trend toward better health in HE villages, where there were fewer infant deaths partly due to increased prenatal care and more hospital deliveries. Longer breastfeeding was practiced in HE villages, as advocated by the program. In addition, first aid procedures (including ice or cold water applications to wounds) were used more by mothers in these villages, and there was a greater readiness to consult doctors and a more realistic understanding of the relation of cleanliness to prevention of diarrhea (a significant cause of infant death) and other diseases caused by germs. Oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea was used more in HE villages. Of the 6,524 children weighed in the HE program since 2/81, 70.4% remained at or increased to 90/100% of the Harvard Standard; 20.4% achieved 80/90% of the Standard; and 5.4% remained below 80%. The weighing program also served as an educational tool for mothers, and provided doctors with a valuable child health history, including vaccinations and other medical information. Other indicators of the project"s impact - referrals to doctors, clinics, and hospitals; mothers" health class attendance; personal observations; and feedback from villagers and other health classes participants - have also been positive. Apparently the greatest complaint is that CRS is not involved in more villages or providing services to a greater area.