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OVERVIEW OF STUDY DESIGN
This chapter gives a brief summary of the study design includ~ng the reasons for
selecting the place of study. Detailed description of the methodology adopted for the
study of the health, education and social aspects of school age chlldren are glven in
the respective chapters.
3.1 Choice of study area
The reasons for undertaktng the study In a rural area have already been mentioned
(Chapterl: Introduction). In order to address these issues for a state in a satisfactory
manner, data need to be collected from a representative populatton of the state This
will require a large study to be carried out in several randomly selected villages from
different strata (geograph~c, districts, taluks stc.). Before undertaking such a large scale
study, it is important to carry out an in-depth case study , based on the experience of
whlch relevant data can be gathered from a wider area. Therefore, ~t was dec~ded to
carry out an in-depth case study In a single village which would provide reltable
information on the issues. Initially a list of villages with deta~ls about the population slze,
the presence of a primary health center (PHC) and sub center, school, and access~b~lity
was obtained from the local d~strict health officer (DHO). Based on this information, four
villages were visited to assess the feasibility of study. Informal discussions were held
with women who were members of the local "Madhar Sangams" (ladies club). The local
schools were visited and the objectives of the study were explained to the staff
members. After the ln~tial vislts to ascertain the feasibility of the study in the village,
Kedar was chosen for the following reasons -