A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Determination and evaluation of sense of coherence in women in semi-urban nepal: A part of the heart-health associated research, dissemination, and intervention in the community (hardic) trial




AuthorsThapa D.R., Oli N., Vaidya A., Suominen S., Ekström-Bergström A., Areskoug Josefsson K., Krettek A.

PublisherKathmandu University

Publication year2021

JournalKathmandu University Medical Journal

Journal name in sourceKathmandu University Medical Journal

Volume19

Issue73

First page 69

Last page75

eISSN1812-2078

Web address http://www.kumj.com.np/index.php?page=viewIssue&issue=73(external)


Abstract

Background

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a core concept of salutogenesis which relates to individuals’ overall life orientation. Stronger SOC associates with better coping strategies, better health, and better quality of life. Although the SOC-questionnaire is validated in many cultures and languages, it has not, to date, been applied in Nepal.

Objective

To determine and evaluate women’s SOC before and after a health education intervention.

Method

This study was conducted as a part of the Heart-health Associated Research, Dissemination, and Intervention in the Community in the semi-urban Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site in Nepal. Jhaukhel and Duwakot were selected as the control and intervention areas, respectively. Participants were women with children aged 1-7 years. Eight hundred and fifty-seven women before and 1,268 women after the health education intervention participated in the study. The statistical analysis was carried out with chi-square tests and one-way uni-variate ANOVA.

Result

Women’s total SOC mean values at baseline were 51.1-57.4 and at follow up 54.4-54.9 in the intervention and control area, respectively. At baseline, SOC was significantly weaker in the intervention area compared to the control area (p < 0.001). At follow-up three months later, SOC was significantly stronger in the intervention area than in the control area (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Nepalese women had weaker SOC than women in high-income countries, but comparable to neighboring country India with similar cultural features. Empowerment of women through community participation and health education strengthened SOC. The SOC-13-questionnaire in its Nepali version is recommended to be further evaluated.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 16:33