Joanna Morrison|Suresh Tamang|Natasha Mesko|David Osrin|Bhim P. Shrestha|Madan Manandhar|Dharma Manandhar|Hilary Standing|Anthony Costello
Women's health groups to improve perinatal care in rural Nepal
University College London|Mother and Infant Research Activities|University College London|University College London|Mother and Infant Research Activities|Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital|Mother and Infant Research Activities|Institute of Development Studies|University College London
background neonatal mortality rates high rural nepal 90 deliveries home evidence suggests death rates reduced interventions community level describe intervention aimed harness power community planning decision making improve maternal newborn care rural nepal methods development 111 womens groups population 86 704 makwanpur district nepal described groups facilitated local women intervention component randomized controlled trial reduce perinatal neonatal mortality rates participant observation analysis reports describe implementation intervention community entry process facilitation monthly meetings participatory action cycle problem identification community planning implementation evaluation strategies tackle identified problems results response needs group participatory health education added intervention womens groups developed varied strategies tackle problems maternal newborn care establishing mother child health funds producing clean home delivery kits operating stretcher schemes close linkages community leaders community health workers improved strategy implementation also indications positive effects group members health services groups remained active 30 months conclusion large scale potentially sustainable participatory intervention womens groups focused pregnancy childbirth newborn period resulted innovative strategies identified local communities tackle perinatal care problems