Can microcredit help improve the health of poor women

This study examines associations between female participation in a microcredit program in India, known as self help groups (SHGs),health club and womens health in the south Indian state of Kerala. Because SHGs do not have a formal health program, this provides a unique opportunity to assess whether SHG participation influences womens health via the social determinants of health.
Methods

This cross-sectional study used special survey data collected in 2003 from one Panchayat (territorial decentralized unit).health club Information was collected on womens characteristics, health determinants (exclusion to health care, exposure to health risks, decision-making agency), and health achievements (self assessed health, markers of mental health). The study sample included 928 non elderly poor women.