Impact of Self-Help Groups among Persons With Disabilities in Rural Karnataka - A Comparative, Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The prime concern for an individual with disability is independence. Self-help groups (SHGs) provide opportunities for those with such needs. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were (i) to assess the impact of SHGs on the livelihood, social inclusion, and community participation of those with disability and (ii) to evaluate the self-esteem and assess the role of such SHGs among those with disability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a community-based, cross-sectional study. An interview schedule captured responses to standardized questionnaires (community-based rehabilitation assessment tool, Rosenberg's self-esteem score, and Social Inclusion Scale). Responses were scored and compared among the two groups of those with disability (member or nonmember of SHGs). RESULTS: The median scores for all our outcome variables were found to be more among those with disabilities enrolled in SHGs than those who were not with a significant association in the component of empowerment, sociocommunity participation, social inclusion, and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: SHGs improve social and community participation of individuals with disability. It empowers them to lead independent lives and also contributes to social inclusion.