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40
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
A. Planning the study
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:
41
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).
43
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).
46
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.
47
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.
49
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
50
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.
51
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.
52
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
53
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,
54
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.
Environmental hygiene
Poor sanitation is the cause for the outbreak of diseases -
Improper maintenance of drainages and faulty disposal of household wastes,
Open defecation,
55
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).
57
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.
60
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).
63
Environmental hygiene
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
64
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).
66
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.
67
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.
68
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
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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.
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The research design adopted for the study is depicted in Figure 4.
A. Planning the study
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