A mixed-methods endline study to assess the impact of project ‘Samvaad’ on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and Swasthya Samvaad Kendras (SSK) counselors in Madhya Pradesh
Client Name: Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS)
Location: Madhya Pradesh
Background Context: A blended capacity-building program called Samvaad was launched and implemented by iCALL (TISS), in partnership with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and National Health Mission (NHM), to enhance the knowledge and capacities of counselors, part of the Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and Swasthya Samvaad Kendras (SSK) programs. A three-day contact program for in-person capacity building was paired with an innovative e-learning platform. Through the e-learning program, counselors were provided with 22 monthly learning modules on relevant focus areas.
Objectives
While baseline and midline assessments for the Samvaad program were undertaken by TISS, Development Solutions conducted the endline assessment of the program. The objectives of the end-line assessment were:
Approach and Methodology
- Method/ Design: A mixed-methods approach comprising both quantitative and qualitative data collection was employed. The tools used included knowledge and skill self-assessments, phone interviews, semi-structured phone interviews, and in-depth interviews.
- Key Respondents/ Informants: Counselors, district coordinators, UNFPA representative, NHM representative, TISS – iCALL team
- Key Areas of Inquiry:
- RKSK Counselors: Knowledge assessment of sexual and reproductive health, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and health promotion, gender-based violence, mental health, nutrition, substance abuse, skill assessment of situation-based questions, conducting and management of counseling sessions.
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- SSK Counselors: Knowledge assessment of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), adolescent health, family planning, maternal health, child health, and skill assessment of situation-based questions and conducting and managing of counseling sessions.
- Sample: Quantitative (47), Qualitative (65)
Impact
The assessment enabled insights into a digital model for skill building for counselors in government health facilities.
Contact
17/109, Lower Ground Floor, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi – 110024