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Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the credit based voluntary groups in India are widely known for their potential to alleviate poverty and empower women. This research article explores a lesser-known theme. It tries to analyze the possibility of utilizing the current SHG model of the Indian Government to build and strengthen resilience of the SHG members in case of an external shock like financial stress, food insecurity, dispute in home for joining SHG, and difficulty to repay loan amidst lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article also focuses on their coping mechanisms and attitude towards these crises. By utilizing primary data collected from 320 SHG members in one of the aspirational districts in West Bengal, India, the present paper tries to fulfill its objective. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the problems faced by the SHG members by combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings reveal that from organizing vocational trainings to relaxing loan repayment, SHGs and its women members overcame various adversities with tenacity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the study findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the current SHG model in India presents a promising avenue for enhancing the resilience of its members in the face of external shocks. Article Highlights: Idiosyncratic stress like financial stress and systemic stress like the COVID-19 pandemic were ranked the top two crises faced by the SHG members. Recognizing financial stress and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the top challenges faced by SHG members implies the need for immediate support (that includes access to financial resources, and assistance in adapting livelihood strategies to withstand external shocks), resilience-building efforts (by providing members with skills to diversify their income sources, creating emergency funds, and fostering community solidarity to collectively address crises), and policy attention (implementing policies that provide targeted assistance, such as social safety nets, healthcare access, and economic stimulus). The SHG members mostly had an active attitude towards the crises faced demonstrating their remarkable resilience and adaptive capacity. This highlights the most dominant role of SHGs in their ability to foster a sense of solidarity and collective problem-solving. Members often share experiences, skills, and resources, which can be invaluable during times of crisis. Additionally, the group dynamic encourages mutual support and encourages members to take proactive steps to address challenges rather than feeling overwhelmed by them. Moreover, participating in SHGs often empowers individuals to develop skills, build confidence, and access resources that enable them to better cope with crises. Thus, it implies the importance of community-based approaches like the SHGs to resilience-building. The primary role of SHGs in strengthening resilience among its members, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic was preventive measures (organizing COVID awareness programs), followed by promotional measures (organizing vocational trainings) and protective measures (distribution of food grains). By engaging in these preventive, promotional, and protective measures, SHGs bolstered the resilience of their members by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and resources to navigate challenges effectively. Overall, the implication is that SHGs have played a multifaceted role in supporting their members through the COVID-19 crisis, by focusing on prevention, promotion, and protection measures to enhance their resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the labour market impacts of the largest livelihoods programs in the world, India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). A key aspect of this program is to mobilize rural women into self-help groups (SHGs). We combine administrative data on SHG membership across districts in India with survey micro-data on labour force and employment outcomes of rural women between 2011 and 2019. Using a generalized difference-in-differences approach, we find that SHG membership is positively associated with labour force participation and employment of rural women. We also find evidence that SHG membership is associated with a shift towards self-employment and a crowd-out of casual work among the employed. Our supplementary analysis based on large primary survey data from Maharashtra allows us to examine the relationship between SHG membership and economic activity at the individual level. The results confirm our main result of a positive association between SHG membership and economic activity. Further, we show that longer duration of SHG membership is associated with higher participation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Support groups offer a low-resource supportive care option for people with ICDs. • People with ICDs perceive benefit from sharing experiences and formal education. • Support groups may help people with ICDs return to normal activities post implant. • Support groups should be available before and after implant and not be time-limited. Support groups for people with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are widely used, however, it is not clear what people with ICDs gain from a support group or what format they should take. The aim of the present study is to define the perceived benefit of ICD support groups and develop practical recommendations for group format. 14 individuals with ICDs were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Reflexive thematic analysis methods were utilised to code and analyse the transcripts before generating themes. Four themes were defined: confronting mortality, coping through sharing, coping through learning, and providing space. Making connections with other people with ICDs, reassurance, access to information, and advice from health care professionals were important perceived benefits of the support group. People with ICDs may have to confront their own mortality and adapt to considerable life changes after implant. The findings from the present study have improved understanding of how support groups are perceived and how ICD indication and group format influence the experience. A blended format of in-person community meetings, online forums, HCP-led education and space for person-person interaction is recommended. Importantly, provision of support should not be time-limited to allow people to access it when it most likely to be of benefit to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the impact of self-help group (SHG) intervention and entrepreneurial traits of SHG members on the economic and socio-cultural empowerment of rural women. A purposive sampling method has been used to collect a sum of 344 responses from the SHG of women who are engaged in entrepreneurial income-generating activities in their village. A linear regression model has been used to analyse the data. The study found and argues that SHG interventions have a positive association with the economic and socio-cultural empowerment of rural women. The parameters identified and analysed in the study are helpful to the stakeholders to make policy decisions to strengthen all the factors, which are responsible for the success and growth of SHG in general and the micro-enterprise of SHG women entrepreneurs, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study explores the factors driving borrowers' preference for formal banks, self-help groups (SHGs) and moneylenders. The study is based on a systematic survey of 839 rural borrowers from southern India, sampled from four districts with varied levels of credit access (surplus, constrained and moderate credit). The data was analysed using multinomial logistic regression in SPSS. Results show how banks and moneylenders exclude borrowers based on relative wealth and gender. SHGs service women borrowers but are preferred more by wealthier borrowers, highlighting intragroup inequalities. Yet, the three lenders service a variety of purposes, justifying their demand in the market. The study enhances understanding of rural borrowers' constraints concerning various credit sources. The implications of this study are as follows: one is identifying the lacunae in the formal banking system, which policy amendments could address. Two, the study recommends an investigation of intragroup inequalities within SHGs. Third, the study underscores the demand for multiple players in the rural credit markets and their contribution to the borrower's credit needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept and utility of self-help groups (SHGs) are proven facts, and they have significantly contributed to group-led extension activities on a large scale. These SHGs play an instrumental role in empowering their members and in many core aspects of farming. Still, these groups also face various challenges, among which ineffective group decision-making is prominent. Therefore, it is critical to strengthen the SHGs by resolving the issues of stability for strengthening the extension system in light of agriculture and rural development at the national level. Swarm intelligence is a phenomenon through which the swarm of honeybees perform various group tasks and takes crucial group decisions effectively and efficiently, utilizing their collective intelligence. Therefore, the study was intended to map the group decision processes among honeybee swarms and their inbuilt influences to relate them to the decision-making processes among SHGs. The present study inferred that seven key factors, i.e. decision impulse, conviction of the decision, engagement in decision, decision duration, decision alignment, extent of participation and real-time physical negotiation, contributed to the effectiveness of swarm-intelligence-based group decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy's general situation, many households are now financially vulnerable. It is like a vicious cycle: once a household is caught, it will remain in the trap until and unless it competently manages its finances. These problems experienced by households have drawn attention to social capital. Self-help groups (SHGs) originated in India to pull out low-income households from poverty and are now recognized as social capital, which can be defined as the action of a group cooperating to enhance all its members' benefits. This article aims to explain how SHGs have contributed to reducing various factors or determinants of household financial vulnerability through a review of several other publications, theses, newspaper articles, and reports. It was discovered that SHGs now provide much more benefits than just alleviating poverty. They have helped to reduce bad loans or non-performing assets, reduced the dependence on informal sources of finance, made households more resilient toward crises such as COVID-19, and enabled households to save money and manage their finances accurately. Organizing themselves into SHGs is the only way for rural households to overcome financial difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conceptualised self‐help groups (SHGs) from the behavioural systems perspective. It adopted the grounded theory approach for data collection and analysis; and the development of structural frameworks through causal inferences. The behavioural system of the SHGs had psychological and behavioural input (interest, motivation, intention, value, belief and need), psychological and behavioural process (adaptability, receptibility and cognitive ability), psychological and behavioural output (social behaviour, psychological behaviour, economical behaviour and ecological behaviour), and environment (macroeconomic environment, policy environment, social–cultural–political environment of village, and institutional environment of the village). The psychological and behavioural input, process, and output exhibited interdependencies. The conceptual categories within them showed causal interactions. The study provided a new lens to the debate on self‐help group‐based microentrepreneurship and group dynamics. The study found the systemic approach of SHG functioning and the peer pressure mechanisms built upon psychological and behavioural characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the credit based voluntary groups in India are widely known for their potential to alleviate poverty and empower women. This research article explores a lesser-known theme. It tries to analyze the possibility of utilizing the current SHG model of the Indian Government to build and strengthen resilience of the SHG members in case of an external shock like financial stress, food insecurity, dispute in home for joining SHG, and difficulty to repay loan amidst lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article also focuses on their coping mechanisms and attitude towards these crises. By utilizing primary data collected from 320 SHG members in one of the aspirational districts in West Bengal, India, the present paper tries to fulfill its objective. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the problems faced by the SHG members by combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings reveal that from organizing vocational trainings to relaxing loan repayment, SHGs and its women members overcame various adversities with tenacity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the study findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the current SHG model in India presents a promising avenue for enhancing the resilience of its members in the face of external shocks.

Abstract Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifaceted disease, and its diagnosis triggers substantial anxiety and uncertainty for those affected. Currently, there are no valid data describing the impact of disease-specific patient education on the disease knowledge available. We created a two-day, online educational seminar to provide SSc patients with disease-specific information. The primary objective of the study was to observe the change in the disease-specific knowledge of the patients. A total of 118 patients were randomized into an intervention group and a waiting list control group. The change in knowledge was assessed using a multiple-choice test. The intervention group completed the questionnaire before, directly after, and 3 months after the seminar, while the waiting list control group also took the test 3 months before the seminar to rule out nonspecific learning. The primary outcome measure was the score difference between baseline and 3 months after baseline. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (protocol code DRKS00024915). The educational seminar resulted in a small, but measurable, increase in knowledge. While the two tests in the waiting list control group prior to the seminar did not show a nonspecific increase in disease knowledge, the intervention led to a numerical increase in knowledge (mean ± sd score difference 0.34 ± 1.31, 95% CI (− 0.23; 0.86), p = 0.26) that did not reach statistical significance. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being a member of a self-help group (β = 1.12; p = 0.03) is a positive predictor of a higher disease knowledge. Although highly appreciated by participants, a two-day online seminar may not be the most appropriate format to generate measurable disease-specific knowledge. Self-help group membership was a positive predictor of a higher level of disease-specific knowledge prior to the educational seminar and should be recommended to every affected person.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifaceted disease, and its diagnosis triggers substantial anxiety and uncertainty for those affected. Currently, there are no valid data describing the impact of disease-specific patient education on the disease knowledge available. We created a two-day, online educational seminar to provide SSc patients with disease-specific information. The primary objective of the study was to observe the change in the disease-specific knowledge of the patients. A total of 118 patients were randomized into an intervention group and a waiting list control group. The change in knowledge was assessed using a multiple-choice test. The intervention group completed the questionnaire before, directly after, and 3 months after the seminar, while the waiting list control group also took the test 3 months before the seminar to rule out nonspecific learning. The primary outcome measure was the score difference between baseline and 3 months after baseline. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (protocol code DRKS00024915). The educational seminar resulted in a small, but measurable, increase in knowledge. While the two tests in the waiting list control group prior to the seminar did not show a nonspecific increase in disease knowledge, the intervention led to a numerical increase in knowledge (mean ± sd score difference 0.34 ± 1.31, 95% CI (− 0.23; 0.86), p = 0.26) that did not reach statistical significance. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that being a member of a self-help group (β = 1.12; p = 0.03) is a positive predictor of a higher disease knowledge. Although highly appreciated by participants, a two-day online seminar may not be the most appropriate format to generate measurable disease-specific knowledge. Self-help group membership was a positive predictor of a higher level of disease-specific knowledge prior to the educational seminar and should be recommended to every affected person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects a significant and growing proportion of pregnant women each year. The condition entails additional monitoring, self‐management and healthcare use during pregnancy, and some women also join GDM support groups on Facebook. Little is known about the practices inside these groups, but examining them may elucidate support needs, women's experience of healthcare and improve overall outcomes. The aims of this study were to explore motivations for joining GDM Facebook groups and the perceived value and benefits of such spaces. Design: A cross‐sectional design using a web‐based survey collected data from two peer‐led GDM Facebook groups; relevant quantitative and qualitative data were extracted from open and closed questions, and analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: A total of 340 women responded to the survey, with 306 (90%) tendering their motivations to join a GDM Facebook group. Their answers were classified into six categories: peer support; information and practical advice; lived experiences; community; a safe place to ask questions and being recommended. The most commonly reported benefits of membership were 'reading about food ideas' and 'finding helpful information and tips'. Respondents reported finding their group strongly sympathetic, sincere, compassionate, heart‐felt, tolerant, sensitive, warm and supportive. Discussion and Conclusions: GDM Facebook groups are valuable for informational and emotional support, and the sharing and perusal of lived experiences; another key benefit for women is feeling belonging to a community. GDM Facebook groups provide women with access to more tailored and readily available support, filling gaps not addressed by healthcare providers. Patient Contribution: This study was led by a person with lived experience of GDM, and the survey was pilot tested with women who had also experienced GDM, which contributed to its development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial inclusion (FI) relates to the access and availability of financial services to society, especially in low-income groups. FI is pivotal in achieving 7 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper explores the level of FI in the rural areas of Maharashtra and measures the impact of FI on the social conditions of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) prevalent in these areas. The study is based on a 424 SHGs survey conducted in the Pune, Thane, and Palghar districts of Maharashtra, India. The impact of FI on SHGs is evaluated using a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results of the study show that physical banking services, Business Facilitators (BFs), and Business Correspondents (BCs) improve the social conditions of rural SHGs. Additionally, BCs and BFs mediate the relationship between physical banking services and social conditions. The study also reveals an insignificant association between BCs and BFs and insurance services. The present study highlights the importance of increasing the awareness of insurance policies through financial literacy programs and making timely availability and accessibility of BCs and BFs to enhance financial inclusion in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A qualitative program evaluation of the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) group, a peer-led mutual support group for formerly incarcerated people, was conducted to understand participant perceptions of (1) digital delivery via Zoom, (2) curriculum content, (3) roles of group participants, and (4) therapeutic value of FIPS group as it relates to traumatic experiences in prison and ongoing challenges after release. Methods: Using a community-based participatory action research approach, a qualitative evaluation was conducted with participants in either the 2020 or 2021 curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed, de-identified, coded, and analyzed via applied thematic analysis and results reviewed with participants. Results: Of 75 formerly incarcerated participants, 20 interviews were conducted and recorded (n = 20). All participants were male, 85% were Black, and the average age was 54.8 years old. Zoom delivery was not preferred, but feasible. Most appreciated the comprehensive and holistic curriculum that enabled peers to gain practical and emotional social support in different areas of life after release. The facilitator's experience with prison programs and relationships within peer networks was essential for recruitment and retention. Participants described (1) feelings of acceptance, (2) examples of teaching and learning from peers' improved insight, trigger management, response modification to stressors, and (3) improved understanding within relationships with those who have not been incarcerated. Conclusions: Digital delivery of peer-led psychosocial support groups for formerly incarcerated people is feasible and impactful. Future research can further characterize the lingering impacts of institutional traumas and quantify changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups (SHGs) in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District, India, and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. In this study, we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs, such as no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5). Given this issue, a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs. The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections, namely, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic development, and awareness level, with each focusing on different aspects. A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form. The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level, as supported by both mean values and t test results. Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women, which also achieves SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures. Moreover, participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence, self-efficacy, and overall self-esteem of rural women. Finally, doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-help groups (SHGs) are an important cornerstone of the German health care system. Especially collaborations of SHGs with cancer centers enable active patient involvement in cancer care. We investigated the current situation and unmet needs of Bavarian SHGs in order to point out possible options of action. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with Bavarian psycho-oncological SHGs. Via e-mail, an online survey was sent to 150 SHGs registered at the BZKF (Bavarian Cancer Research Center). We assessed activities and needs of the SHGs as well as the nature of collaborations with cancer centers. We focused on adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the inclusion of migrants. Results: 46 (33.66%) SHGs participated, while 39 (84.78%) completed the questionnaire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 50% of the SHGs reported less meetings. 22.7% changed to online meetings or other formats (43.2%). 20.9% of the SHGs had regular meetings with the cancer center, and 23.1% with the psycho-oncology. 51.2% evaluated the psycho-oncological services as neutral to dissatisfying due to lack of information, availability, and long waiting times. The SHGs indicated needs concerning interventions (coping strategies, digital applications, etc.), information, and better communication. Efforts for overcoming inequalities seemed rare: only 13.6% of the SHGs and 16.2% of the cancer centers had services for migrants. Conclusions: This study gave an overview of current activities and needs of Bavarian SHGs. The implementation of patient guides, comprehensive information material, and low-threshold psycho-oncological services should be objectives in future care to increase patient satisfaction. The needs for services for migrants should be investigated in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-help group (SHG) is a small, homogeneous group of women who decide to save and contribute among the members per their needs. SHG is a way to involve women with poor backgrounds to increase their income, savings, and credit needs with women's empowerment. Self-help group has a positive impact on the political, social, economic, personal, financial, and educational spheres of life. It is a dynamic platform for women participation making a significant impact in all aspects. The SHG as a phenomenon hope and confidence in women members by creating positive growth. The study addresses the role of self-help groups in changing women's lives. The information for the study has been collected through primary and secondary sources. The result of the study revealed that the SHG is an important medium to provide finance to women for setting up micro-enterprises and strengthens the capacity of the women making them empowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeWe aimed to better understand hesitancy to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to quit smoking.DesignWe content coded and analyzed NRT-related posts in online quit smoking support groups to understand NRT-use hesitancy and to examine associations with health outcomes.SettingNRT posts were analyzed in unmoderated social-media support groups with free NRT.SampleAdults who smoked daily (n = 438) and posted about NRT were studied, 339 of whom reported on NRT usage and 403 reported on smoking abstinence.MeasuresSurveys at 1-month post-quit date assessed NRT usage and smoking abstinence.AnalysisRelationships among NRT posts, NRT usage and smoking abstinence were analyzed using GEE models accounting for support group and covariates.ResultsNearly all (96.17%) participants reported using the study-provided NRT once, most (70.21%) used NRT during the past week, but less than half (45.72%) used NRT daily for the full month as recommended. Nearly two-thirds (65.34%) of NRT posts were negative. Posts reflecting dislike or no longer needing NRT were associated with a lower likelihood of using NRT in the past week at least once (B = -.66, P = .005 and B = -.37, P = .045), use occasions (B = -1.86, P = .018 and B = -1.10, P = .016) and used daily for full month (B = -.56, P = .044 and B = -.53, P = .009). Posts related to the effectiveness of NRT related to past-week NRT used at least once (B = .15, P = .023), used daily for full month (B = .25, P = .001), and smoking abstinence (B = .27, P = .002).ConclusionStrategies are needed to address dislike of NRT and strengthen perceptions of NRT efficacy, especially on social media where posts may be amplified.

Adivasis are the original inhabitants of India, and their history has been plagued by suffering and deprivation. From the Aryan invasion of 1400 B.C. to the British colonial period, Adivasis have been subjected to domination, displacement, organized loot of resources, and suppression. They are still experiencing forced displacement and other forms of injustice and inequalities in the name of capitalist development. The Indian government took many positive steps to change the condition of Scheduled Tribes (the constitutional term for Adivasi), but despite these governmental actions, no significant changes have been witnessed in their livelihood. A vast majority of the Adivasi population cannot use governmental facilities. The condition of Adivasi women is even worse than that of Adivasi men. PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), a nonprofit, non-government organization started in the 1980s with the vision of bringing positive changes to the lives of less privileged people, primarily works on problems of severe poverty, illiteracy, high infant mortality, and social evils like dowry, slavery, and wife burning. The present work presents a brief history of the Adivasi and the constitutional debate over the term Adivasi, a highlight of the measures taken by the government, and a discussion of the difficult life circumstances faced by Adivasi women. This paper critically explores the pattern of crime against Adivasi women. It further focuses on the innovative and effective strategies and community-based approaches that PRADAN embraced in helping to improve the lives of Adivasi women. Specifically, this paper will discuss how Adivasi women are becoming united through PRADAN's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and other women's organizations formed by PRADAN, such as Narmada Mahila Sangh (NMS), Damodar Mahila Mandal (DMM), and Nari Adalat (Women's Court) that provide justice and hope to Adivasi women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although various studies report how treatment-related factors are essential predictors for relapse prevention during recovery from drug addiction, it is still necessary to investigate why some components grouped within this domain and not others lead an effective route that significantly increases the odds of remission in substance use disorders. Objective. This study aimed to analyze how the interrelationship of predictor variables grouped within the treatment domain influences or counteracts repeat users' return to drug use. A systematic review consulted databases such as EBSCO, Scopus, and Science Direct, covering a period from 2011 to 2020. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria established by the PICOS strategy, eight articles remained; 75% of the studies described randomized controlled designs, participant figures of more than a thousand users, longitudinal follow-up of more than 12 months, and multivariate statistical procedures. The main predictor variables identified were the quality of the 12-step self-help programs, participation in peer groups, group treatment formats, mindfulness, duration of treatment, and outpatient/residential services. The studies that showed greater consistency highlight the importance of committed participation in self-help groups and the quality of the activities proposed within the 12-step programs as critical components to prevent relapses during recovery from drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge about open, co-produced meeting centres for people with dementia, from their own perspective. Services that support people who are newly diagnosed with dementia are often insufficient. Co-produced services have the potential to address the need of people with dementia to be useful and productive, while reducing the stigma. In this study, we applied a qualitative design. Data were collected at a meeting centre for people with newly diagnosed dementia, and consisted of fieldwork (13 days for about two hours at a time), written materials, and semi-structured interviews (mean length 30 minutes) with five attendees with dementia and two staff persons. The analysis was inspired by situational analysis. The findings showed that the meeting centre provided a place for human encounters, a break from everyday life, and a place to share knowledge and develop new skills. Further, challenges were described. Co-production consisted of the attendees being encouraged to take part in the planning of activities, learning from each other and providing mutual support. The study adds to previous knowledge about co-produced services for people with dementia. Future studies can clarify how co-production can be developed in services for people with newly diagnosed dementia in countries and regions where there is a dearth of this kind of support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social network approaches on microfinance self‐help groups (SHGs) find that their organizational capacity lies in network expansion—a social capital basis for various policy interventions through SHGs. To what extent do SHGs create connections in and out of the group boundaries in the caste‐ and gender‐segregated India? This study adds group cohesion and contact diversity as potential network advantages and fully assesses the relationship‐spanning structure of SHGs in India. Modelling network structures in 71 villages in the Diffusion of Microfinance dataset, we identify SHGs' community bonding as well as bridging capacities through the simultaneously expanded and cohesive helpful exchange ties. However, SHG members' exchange ties are more caste‐ and gender‐homogeneous, suggesting that SHGs bond rather than bridge individuals across these salient socio‐demographic groups. We develop a policy imperative to promote mixing based on the socio‐demographic composition when aggregating individual SHGs into higher‐level units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups (SHGs) in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District, India, and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. In this study, we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs, such as no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5). Given this issue, a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs. The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections, namely, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic development, and awareness level, with each focusing on different aspects. A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form. The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level, as supported by both mean values and t test results. Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women, which also achieves SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures. Moreover, participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence, self-efficacy, and overall self-esteem of rural women. Finally, doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions.

We study the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020 on the monthly savings of self‐help groups (SHGs) in India, and the role of SHGs in mitigating the economic effects of the lockdown. Administrative data suggest that monthly savings of SHGs declined by 66% between March and July of 2020, with larger declines in areas with more stringent lockdowns. Survey data revealed that SHG and non‐SHG households had similar consumption and income losses during the lockdown. Households with SHG members and those that received assistance from SHGs in procuring ration or accessing community kitchens reported significantly higher food security, however. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, therapeutic efficacy and symptom time course of post-coronavirus disease 2019 parosmia. Methods: A 22-item online questionnaire was distributed to AbScent research group and Facebook coronavirus disease 2019 anosmia group adult members to assess clinical features, interventions and their subjective efficacy for parosmia. Results: A total of 209 participants (86 per cent females) reported: smell loss on average 3 days after coronavirus symptoms, recovery 4 weeks later, and first parosmia symptoms 12 weeks post infection. Respondents reported 10 per cent body weight loss, and listed onion and garlic as significant parosmia triggers. Regarding quality of life, depression was the most cited item (54 per cent). Smell training was trialled by 74 per cent of participants, followed by nasal corticosteroid spray (49 per cent). Stellate ganglion block, trialled by 16 per cent of respondents, had the highest reported improvement (45 per cent), with 21 per cent reporting a sustained benefit – the highest rate amongst registered treatment options. Conclusion: Post-coronavirus parosmia has a significant impact and remains challenging to treat. Stellate ganglion block appears to be successful relative to other reported treatments. Further research into the pathophysiology, efficacy and mechanism of stellate ganglion block effect is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore the effects of the pandemic on the lives of ALS patients and their caregivers. It aims to understand whether and how online self-help groups have assisted families dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease with both physical and psychosocial implications. Consequently, it significantly affects the lives of patients' caregivers. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation. The results show that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the well-being of ALS caregivers and patients. Furthermore, bereavement and death were dealt with in different ways by the families involved. The pandemic aggravated the health of ALS patients and increased the workload of their caregivers; however, online psychological support was appreciated for its role in providing emotional help and diminishing social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenced by patriarchy, male-centered culture, and family structure, gender inequality is widespread in rural areas of China. Based on the empowerment theory and the sustainable development theory, this study assessed the perceptions of women's empowerment in rural tourism by a multi-dimensional scale of empowerment and explored the effect of women's empowerment on tourism involvement and sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, tourism cooperatives were introduced into the conceptual model and investigated the moderating effect of tourism cooperatives on these relationships. Using the purposive sampling and snowball sampling approaches, 778 rural women living in Langde village and Huawu village participated in the survey, and then SPSS and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis methods were utilized for data processing. The value of this study lies in tourism cooperatives as an effective way of women's empowerment in rural areas, which contribute to tourism involvement, thereby promoting sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-help groups (SHGs) were devised by the Indian Government, essentially to uplift women with poor socioeconomic status. Gingival recession (GR) has worldwide prevalence ranging from 22% to 100%. It leads to multiple dental problems affecting the quality of life. Poor socioeconomic conditions are closely related to the severity of GR. Aims: This study aims to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of GR in women belonging to SHGs from a panchayat in Kerala. Also to determine etiological factors for GR in the given population. Materials and Methods: A total of 354 women from SHGs of a panchayat in Kerala were included in the study. All participants answered a questionnaire containing demographic details, behavioral factors, and comorbidities. Clinical examination was carried out to assess GR, plaque index, gingival index, presence of attached gingiva, frenal attachment, biotype, trauma from occlusion, and malocclusion. All categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentage whereas continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The association between GR and its etiological factors was analyzed by Chi-square test followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of GR in this population was 88.4%. The extent of GR was at least one site and Class III-B was found in 4.2% of the population. Significant association between age, gingival inflammation, and GR were observed. Conclusions: GR was found to be highly prevalent (GR II-B most prominent) in this population. Age and presence of severe gingival inflammation were found to be the possible risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of smoking among young adults aged 19-28 years old in the United States persists at rates of 14.3%. Young adults underutilize pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, and the use of e-cigarettes has increased. We analyzed comments from online smoking-cessation support groups to understand young-adult smokers' views of pharmacotherapy and e-cigarettes, to provide a more in-depth insight into the underutilization of pharmacotherapy. A qualitative analysis was performed on comments about pharmacotherapy and e-cigarettes from participants enrolled in online smoking-cessation support groups in 2016-2020. A codebook was developed with a deductive approach to code the comments, followed by thematic analysis. Eighteen themes were identified, with four dominant themes: interest, benefit, knowledge, and flavor. Participants expressed less interest in both nicotine-replacement therapy and e-cigarettes; moreover, they expressed unfamiliarity with and misconceptions about pharmacotherapy, and recognized the enticing flavors of e-cigarettes. Participants often felt e-cigarettes were not useful for smoking cessation, but the flavors of e-cigarettes were appealing for use. Participants had mixed opinions about the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, but predominantly felt e-cigarettes were not useful for smoking cessation. The use of social media may be an effective way to address misconceptions about pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation and increase willingness to accept assistance.

Purpose – The starting premise of this study is that women's empowerment is the goal for self-realization and that the support that comes from local tourism stakeholders represents an adequate base. In many rural areas, women have established self-help groups (SHGs), which facilitate the interaction with a wide range of stakeholders. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of SHGs on female entrepreneurship and self-employment in tourism. Design/methodology/approach – To examine the research question, this study adopted a quantitative research that included a sample of 513 women in a less-advanced rural area in Serbia. For the data analysis, the generalized linear regression model (GLM) was used. Findings – According to the results, self-employment is the leading goal of women's empowerment. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation in the research and the authors’ suggestion for future research is to increase the sample size of female respondents, so examination of their attitudes and role in the travel business in their local settings might reach higher significance. The second issue that the authors would like to point out is a highly local character of our study, so the future research should involve other rural areas in the country and from abroad (e.g. similar undeveloped countryside with noticeable, active women's role in local entrepreneurship). Practical implications – The most important practical implications of this paper are twofold: (1) the results of the research have shown that the tourist potential of rural areas can be enhanced through local tourism stakeholders' support; (2) women without professional interest or jobs in rural areas, especially in the areas where the population is traditionally dominated by men (husband/brother/father), have a chance to earn and to be economically more independent. This research can affect future studies to investigate other aspects of empowerment depending on the difference of regions, from one side, and also alternative opportunities for tourism and local development in less-advanced rural areas, from another side. Originality/value – The study analyzes the tourism potential of the rural areas (which are less advanced and mostly very poor in developing countries, such as Serbia). In this case, there are opportunities to increase employment, social inclusion of women, development of new tourism strategies, implementation of destination marketing, etc. Moreover, it contributes to future research in the field of stakeholders in tourism strategies.

Self‐help groups (SHGs) are used as instruments for changes in health‐related behaviour. We evaluated the impact of the Health and Nutrition Strategy of JEEViKA on the dietary practices of infants in rural areas of Bihar. Propensity score matching revealed that the probability of exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months and starting complementary feeding after 6 months was higher by 5% and 3%, respectively, if the respondent was an SHG member. The average treatment effects on treated using attendance in meetings as the treatment variable found that the programme had increased breastfeeding only, with there being peer effects also. The study recommends encouraging attendance in SHG meetings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutual help groups are a ubiquitous component of the substance abuse treatment system in the United States, showing demonstrated effectiveness as a treatment adjunct; so, it is paramount to understand whether they are as appealing to, and as effective for, racial or ethnic minority groups as they are for Whites. Nonetheless, no known comprehensive reviews have examined whether there are racial/ethnic disparities in mutual help group participation. Accordingly, this study comprehensively reviewed the U.S. literature on racial/ethnic disparities in mutual help participation among adults and adolescents with substance use disorder treatment need. The study identified 19 articles comparing mutual help participation across specific racial/ethnic minority groups and Whites, including eight national epidemiological studies and 11 treatment/community studies. Most compared Latinx and/or Black adults to White adults, and all but two analyzed 12-step participation, with others examining self-help attendance. Across studies, racial/ethnic comparisons yielded mostly null (N = 17) and mixed (N = 9) effects, though some findings were consistent with a racial/ethnic disparity (N = 6) or minority advantage (N = 3). Findings were weakly suggestive of disparities for Latinx populations (especially immigrants, women, and adolescents) as well as for Black women and adolescents. Overall, data were sparse, inconsistent, and dated, highlighting the need for additional studies in this area.

Self-employment plays a prominent role in the improvement of the condition of unemployment. Those members who are engaged in self-employment are in a much better situation compared to wage-earning women members. The findings are based on 2 surveys conducted in 2005 and 2009 with the same members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), and the data collected from North Twenty-Four Parganas in the Southern region of West Bengal state of India. This study also analyzed economic and social demographic factors affecting the probability of both factors related to employment and empowerment.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and subsequent scale-up on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition (RMNCHN) and sanitation outcomes among marginalised women in Bihar, India from 2014-2017.MethodsWe examined RMNCHN and sanitation behaviors in women who were members of any SHGs compared to non-members, without differentiating between types of SHGs. We analysed annual surveys across 38 districts of Bihar covering 62 690 women who had a live birth in the past 12 months. All analyses utilised data from Community-based Household Surveys (CHS) rounds 6-9 collected in 2014-2017 by CARE India as part of the Bihar Technical Support Program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We examined 66 RMNCHN and sanitation indicators using survey logistic regression; the comparison group in all cases was age-comparable women from the geographic contexts of the SHG members but who did not belong to SHGs. We also examined links between discussion topics in SHGs and changes in relevant behaviours, and stratification of effects by parity and mother's age.ResultsSHG members had higher odds compared to non-SHG members for 60% of antenatal care indicators, 22% of delivery indicators, 70% of postnatal care indicators, 50% of nutrition indicators, 100% of family planning and sanitation indicators and no immunisation indicators measured. According to delivery platform, most FLW performance indicators (80%) had increased odds, followed by maternal behaviours (57%) and facility care and outreach service delivery (22%) compared to non-SHG members. Self-report of discussions within SHGs on specific topics was associated with increased related maternal behaviours. Younger SHG members (