Digital Janani: Bridging the Healthcare Information Gap for Rural Mothers.

Academic Research Title: "Evaluating the Impact of Digital Health Awareness on Antenatal Care Utilization: A Multivariate Analysis of Rural Women in Bihar."

Location: Rural Bihar, Near Sikrhahna Village, East Champaran

Target Group: Pregnant Women & New Mothers (18–35 years)

Duration: 4 Weeks

1. Executive Summary

Project Digital Janani is a dual-impact initiative combining Maternal Health Awareness with Digital Literacy. While smartphone penetration in rural Bihar has increased, their use for healthcare remains low. This project aims to empower 250 rural women by teaching them how to access vital antenatal care (ANC) information, government schemes, and emergency services via mobile phones. Simultaneously, we will conduct a survey to analyze the correlation between "Digital Access" and "Health Outcomes," creating a valuable dataset for future policy interventions.

2. Problem Statement

In rural Bihar, maternal mortality is often linked to delay—delay in recognizing danger signs, delay in deciding to seek care, and delay in reaching facilities.

• The Information Void: Mothers often rely on local myths rather than verified medical advice.

• The Digital Divide: Women may have access to a husband’s or family phone but lack the agency or knowledge to use it for health (booking appointments, watching nutrition videos, dialing 102 for ambulance).

• Getty Images

3. Objectives

1. Educational: To train 250 women on using smartphones for health (calling ambulances, setting medicine reminders, accessing government health portals).

2. Analytical: To survey and analyze if digital literacy leads to better Antenatal Care (ANC) attendance.

3. Resourceful: To distribute "Janani Cards"—laminated pocket cards with essential QR codes and emergency numbers.

4. Methodology & Data Analysis

Phase 1: The Baseline Survey (Data Collection)

We will collect data to test the hypothesis: Does access to a phone increase the likelihood of institutional delivery?

• Variables: Phone Ownership (Personal vs. Family), Internet Literacy, Number of ANC visits completed, Awareness of Iron/Folic Acid tablets.

Phase 2: The Workshop (Digital Intervention)

We will conduct small group sessions (10-15 women) at Anganwadi centers using a "Show and Tell" method.

• Module A: How to dial 102/108 for emergencies.

• Module B: How to use YouTube/WhatsApp to view verified videos on breastfeeding and nutrition.

• Module C: Understanding Government Schemes (Janani Suraksha Yojana) via mobile.

Phase 3: The Deliverable (Janani Kit)

Every participant receives a "Digital Janani Kit" containing:

• A Laminated Emergency Card (QR codes for health videos, Ambulance numbers).

• A Hygiene Pack (Soap + Mask) as an incentive for attendance.

5. Budget Breakdown

Component	Description	Cost (INR)
Training Material	Printing 300 Laminated "Janani QR Cards" & Posters	₹4,000
Incentives	Hygiene Kits (Dettol Soap + Handkerchief) for 250 women	₹7,500
Logistics	Projector/Speaker Rental for 4 workshop days	₹3,000
Field Team	Travel & Food for volunteers/trainers	₹3,500
Documentation	Survey forms, Report binding, Photography	₹2,000
TOTAL		₹20,000

6. Expected Outcomes

Social Impact

• 250 Women upskilled in digital health navigation.

• Creation of a "Digital Safety Net"—women knowing exactly what button to press in a medical emergency.

• Increased registration for government schemes (JSY/PMMVY) due to better awareness.

Data Impact (Research Output)

A Final Report featuring:

• Correlation Graphs: "Smartphone Usage vs. Frequency of Doctor Visits."

• Barriers Analysis: Why women don't use phones for health (e.g., data cost vs. lack of permission).

• Case Studies: Stories of women who used the training to solve a health issue.

7. Conclusion

Digital Janani proves that healthcare isn't just about medicine; it's about information. By spending just ₹80 per beneficiary, we are turning passive patients into informed, digitally empowered mothers. This project is a scalable model for modernizing rural healthcare awareness.