Role of Information Technology to Enhance the Nutrition Education and Skills of Women in Uttarakhand

Women constitute (50%) of the world population. They play a positive and constructive role and contribute significant towards the economic, social and political development of the society. Among the many problems faced by women, status of their health remains a major concern. The study conducted by WHO (2002–2004) in Uttarakhand reported that women among backward class are more prevalence (98%). Lack of knowledge about the dietary requirement and nutritive value of different foods are the contributory cause for the widespread occurrence of nutritional deficiency disorder. The reason for poor outreach was lack of orientation of the functionaries, no community involvement, weak nutrition education. The present study was conducted in two randomly selected villages; viz; Radhakantpur and Motipur, in Gadarpur Block in U.S Nagar district which lies in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Out of the total number of households in each village, 25% were selected randomly using chit method and one married woman from each household in the reproductive age group was selected for administering the schedule. Findings of the study revealed that most of the respondents were illiterate (42.57), not engaged in any paid activity outside their home (68.31%) and belonged to nuclear families (56.43%). Television and radio are their primary sources of entertainment while Village Health Worker and Anganwadi worker, enjoy high source credibility and were approached frequently for health related information. Based on the information gaps, a communication strategy incorporating eight methods has been designed. It includes a mix of group and mass methods and uses a wide range of media based on the communication behavior of the women in these villages. Media used in the communication strategy include radio talk, film slide show on symptoms, video film on iron rich sources of food and their preparation, group meeting with female doctor and nutrition expert mediated by village health worker and anganwadi worker, exhibition on a special occasions use of poster and charts to create awareness about the importance of iron rich food sources and folk media. The strategy specifies the topic, target audience, primary function, frequency, time and a brief description of the content.