Abstract

Background: Policy makers and public health professionals mention that Self-help groups (SHGs) may be powerful vehicles of change and can perform effective functions like other grass root level health workers. The objective of the study was to evaluate the awareness levels of SHGs regarding maternal and child health through structured training workshop.
Material and Methods: An interventional study was done at one of the government medical colleges in Mahaboobnagar District of Telangana State. Pretested validated questionnaire in local language was given to sampled 178 female SHG members. One and half day workshop was conducted covering various aspects of maternal and child health. The data analysis was performed by Microsoft Office Excel Sheet.
Results: The current study conveyed comparatively better knowledge of participants about specific topics like maternal welfare schemes, home delivery, breastfeeding practices, nutrition etc. Though, the poor knowledge was seen among participants about some of MCH elements. Conclusions: Structured workshop on MCH’ caused significant gain in knowledge levels of participants about maternal and child health aspects. They can be effective health educators and can improve the knowledge of Self-help groups especially in marginalized areas about maternal and child health.