LTNIT 3 POVEIRTU AND COMMUMTY

DEVELOPMENT PROGMMMES
Structure
3.0 Objectives
Introduction
General Aspects of Poverty
3.2.1 Meaning and Definitions of Poverty
3.2.2 The Extent of Poverty
3.2.3 Causes of Poverty
3.2.4 Determinants of Poverty
3.2.5 Indicators of National Income

Poverty and Health

3.3.1 Impact of Poverty on Health
3.3.2 Poverty and Slandwds of LivingILife Style
Solutions of Poverty
3.4.1 Community Development Programiles
3.4.2 Poverty AllevialioriProgrammes
3.4.3 Rural Develop~nerit
3.4.4 Comnlunity Development Programmes and Health Services
Role of Community Health Nurse
Let Us Sum Up

Key Words
Answers to Check Your Progress

tit After completing this unit, you will be able to:

1
e explain the meaning of poverty and define poverty;
1' e state the extent and estirnate of poverty;
e explain the impact of poverty on l~ealth;

3 identify the solutions of poverty, throug1-1various poverty alleviation

a programmes and community development programmes; and
S
I describe the functions of poverty.
I

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Poverty is a un&asal phenomenon. Even some of the highly developed and .
wealthy countries have millions of poor people, e.g., the U.S.A., Japan, the U.K.
It is a social problem and has been present in society in all ages in varying degree.
By and large, India is one among the economically poor countries in the world.
Removal of $overty is the central concern of the National Development Planning
process in India. ,
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 Role of Nurse in Specific Th'is unit will help you to understand the concept of poverty, its extent, causes and
Societal Health Problems -
measures to alleviate it. Accordingly, you will be able to identify the nurse's role
and functions, which will help you deal with the poor families.

GENERAL ASPECTS OF PBVEICTU

In this section we shall discuss about various aspects of poverty.

3.2.1 Meaning and Definition of Poverty

Poverty is the world's most ruthless killer and the greatest cause of suffering on
earth. It wields its destructive influence at every stage of human life and
contributes significantly to reduce life expectancy handicap and disability. Seven
countries of the region ( Bangladesh, Bhutan, Korea, India, Myanmar, Nepal and
, Sri Lanka) are classified by the United Nations as low income countries with
GNPs per capita as US $765 or less. Indonesia, Maldives and Thailand having
GNPs per capita between $ 766 and $ 3055 are classified as low middle income
countries.

India still has around 26% per cent of population below poverty line with high rate
of illiteracy, ignorance and poor living stsindards. Poverty is the root cause of many
iocial problems. A common attitude towards child labour in India is to accept it
as an unavoidable consequence of poverty.

Poverty can be defined as a social phenomenon in which a section of society

is unable to fulfill even its basic necessities of life. When a substantial segment of
society is deprived of a minimum level of living and continues at a basic subsisence
level, the society is said to be plagued with mass poverty.
.. Poverty is greatest challenge that is associated with inequalities. The number of
I)
people living in extreme poverty in the world has increased and was estimated
at over 1.1 billion in 1990.

Definition of Terms
Absolute poverty is also known as subsistence poverty, since it is based on the
assessment of the ~ninimumliving requirements, such as food, clothing, shelter,
education, security, leisure and recreation. It is usually, measured by pricing these
basic necessities, and a living index is calculated, which becomes the poverty line.
People who are below the poverty line are poor, and those who are above it are
non-poor. This index is based on the assumption that there are minimum
- basic needs for all people, But as we know, needs vary 'from one society to
another, and among communities within the same society. Needs may change from
time to time, and the living index also changes from place to place and from time to
time. Therefore, the concept of absolute poverty is not applicable to all time, and is
replaced by relative poverty.

Relative Poverty is based on the assessment of acceptable standard of living and

style of life according to the conventions of the time and of a particular society.
Families and groups in a particular community or society can be said to be in
poverty, if they lack the life style, considered essential by that society. This concept
also has its problems, for the living standard cannot be the samefor $1
categories of people, such as the lower working class, the middle working class, etc. I

All these standards may vary in a society bas& on social stratification, eig., on the I
basis of cast into Brahmin. Kshatriya ,Vaishya and Shudra. Secondly, relative
poverty poses difficulty for assessment and comp'$ison of the poor within the ,
46 .. social stratification, because relative standards change with time and place. This

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 problem can be overcome by using the absolute standards, which at the same time, Poverty and Topnunity
also objective. ~ e v e l o ~ m e nProgrammes
t

Another aspect of poverty, which is closer to relative poverty, is subjective poverty.

Subjective Poverty refers to whether the individuals, families or groups, that are
defined poor or not poor in terms of the standards of the daily living that they, feel
poor or not. It may be that the families, which are considered as poor, may'not feel
so. They too may plan and budget in such a way that they are able to meet the
basic necessities and be satisfied. On the other hand, there may be families, that
are not considered poor, byt feel poor because they spend their inoney lavishly, and
still axe not able'to satisfy their needs. It is important to be family with the concept
of subjective poverty, because people demonstrate what they percqive about
thenlselves. Poverty is that condition is which a person, either because of
inadequate income or unwise expenditure, does not maintain a scale of living
high enough to provide for his physical and mental efficiency, and to enable him to
his natural dependents to function usef~~lly according to tlie standards of the
society of which he is member (Gillin and Gillin).
\

3.2.2 The Extent of Poverty

Poverty is a social problem and has been there in all societies from time
imrnemolial. But it has assumed a gigantic dimension only in the present times.
Poverty is a problem not only 01the underdeveloped country. It depends ~ipollwhat
a particular-societyaccepts as a reasonably good living standard for its people.
In India, poverty line is drawn on the basis of the barest inininluin desirable
nutritional standard of calories, which is 2400 calories per capita daily for the rural
areas and 2100 calories per capita daily for the urban areas. Here poverty is in
relation to hunger. At,1993-94 prices this expenditure is estimated at 229.8 per
capita per month is rural areas and Rs.264.1 for the urban areas. On this basis,
39.9 per cent of the rural population and 27.7 of the urban population was estimated
to be below the poverty line. Tlie drawback of this definition is that only one factor,
. . calories intake is considered for assessment of poverty.
i.e.,
Estimates of Poverty: Based on the survey conducted in 1999-2000 by National
Council of Applied Econolnic Research the estimated number of households by
income group is given in Table 3.1.
Role of Nurse in Specific 3.2.3 Causes of Poverty
Societal Health.Problerns
These could be many interrelated factors causing poverty. These include:
e By birth -individual is born in a poor family
e Absence of achievement motivation
e Unwillingness to invest labor
a Family obligations and/or taboos
e Large family with limited resources.
The society itself encourages,poverty, because poverty saves various functions to
the non-poor in society especially low wages labour.
But when we consider poverty at the national level it is mainly due to (a) increasing
role of population growth without the corresponding economic resources-and (b)
Capital funds. All lhe three factors are interrelated. India is the secoild largest
populated country in the world, but its resources are scarce. This leads to a
problem of imbalance between demands and supplies, resulting in inflation. At the
same time, our resources would not be exploited because of lack of capital funds
and investment. Whatever development efforts we make are nullified by the
: rapidity growing population. The net result is lower per capita income and non-
availability of goods and services. Increasing population has multiplied the problem
of unemployment aggravating poverty.

3.2.4 Determinants of Poverty

Agricultural output, inflation rate, Relative Food prices, non-agricultural
employment, Govl's developmeiit expenditure, infrastruclural facilities are
*
important factors of poverty. Most of these variables particularly inflation ratel
relative food prices are important for explaining urban poverty also.

3.2.5 Indictors of National Income

An important background influence is the size and strength of country's economy,
which is usually expressed in terms of one of National aggregates, such as Gross
National Product (GNP) or Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Gross National ~ioduct:It is the gross national product generated from within
-2
t$e
, . country as also net income received from abroad.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Gross income generated within the country. It ,
excludes net income received from abroad. ,
Net National Product (NNP): It is GNP minus the capital we consume (e.g.
Equipment machinery etc.) in the production process. NNP is the market value of ,
all final goods and services after providing for depreciation.
Net Domestic Product (NDP): It is gross domestic product minus the value of
depreciation on fixed assets. ,
 1
Poverty and Community
Development Programmes

3.3 POVERTY AND HEALTH

You must have observed that poverly increases the health risk. The objectives
reasons are that poor people have low resistance because of malnutrition, and they
live in substandard environnleilt, whcre they are not able to practice simple hygienic
measures. Rather, they are ignorant and unaware uf such things. The result i 3 they
get sick very often, do not avail of the services until they are very sick, because
they cannot afford to miss their daily wage, which is their only source of income.
By then, it is too late to do anything. Overcrowding, poor environmental conditions
and constant migration of pcoplc in this groi~p,111 favours high rates of trunsmission
of communicable diseases.

Poverty and Health: Poverty is closely nssociatecl with hcallh sisks, though it is
not only the contributory factor to vulnerability. Being poor alTccts the health and
well being of individuals of all ages and families and communities.

Health Related Perspective: Health care is generally less available al11cl

accessible to the poor as conqxuec! to high socio economic status. The poor have
higher rates of infafant mostality, conlplcx health problerns and physical li~nitations
resulting from chronic diseases. They are hospitalized threc times mare often than
people of higher income groups1 hospital admission diagnosis is cornmcmly asthma,
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diabetes, hypertensio~l and other chronic illness which could be helter managed
with health education and ro~itinehealth care. Poor people are more vulnerable to
trauma induced injuries and death by violencc. Injiwies to children in poor families
2 %
are most often associated with fire, drowning suffocarion.

Community Perspective: Rural and Urban communities of all sizes and culture
have poor people, with high rates of unemployment and lower wages for those
who arc employed. Poorer com~nunityare mose likely to experience violence,
discrimination and police brutality than high communities. Poor neighborhoods have
higher rates or crime and substance abuse with low quality levels of education.
Housing often is less adequate they live in co~ldenllledbuildings, on the streets,
highway viaducts, installed vel~iclesor in storage sheds. Substandard living
conditions leads to enviro~llnentalhazards. They are also associated with chronic
stressors such as frustrations, helplessness, powerlcsslless, hopelessness, poor self
esteem, anxiety, chronic depression etc.

Cultural Perspective: Mealilillg of Poverty and how to deal with it is culturally

based and varies widely among societies and individuals. Some people give poverty
spiritual relevance by believing that poor peoplc on earth will ear11richer in heavens.
Role of Nurse in Specific Others believe that if they get motivated and work for living they would be better
§ocietal:~ealth Probler;~: off and others would have to support them 'and their children for rest of their lives.

Policy Perspective: The Govt. use an absolute economic standard to delineate

poverty based on the criteria of an "adequate living wage" for a family with a
certain number of members. People who fall below this standard are considered
poor; hence they qualify for public assistance programmes. This standard is
referred to as poverty index, which is determined by calculating the cost of specific
goods and services within a given time frame. The federal poverty index takes into
consideration the cost of food for a rninimum/adequate diet for an individual families
who have slightly higher incomes are referred Lo as the near poor. Guidelines are
used to determine whether personlfamily qualified for assistance/services under
particular Statelfederal consideration programme.

3.3.1 Impact of Poverty on Health

Poverty increases the health risk. The poor people usually have low resistance due
to poor nutritional statue and poor environmental conditions, where they are not able
to practice hygienic measures. These people are usually ignorant and unaware of
healthy living due to low education which is dueto povetfy. This result in getting
sick and are unable to avail.appropriate services, because they can not afford it.
Overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, ignorance leads to comm~inicablediseases.
These people usually have faith in indigenous practitioners, local quacks and priests
and faith healers who prevent them from seelung the appropriate medical care in
times.
Poverty is the main cause of children being not immunized, low life expectancy, low
bil-th weight babies, h g h maternal mortality, handicap and disability, mental illness,
stress suicide family disintegration and substance abuse.
The health consequences of poverty are severe. The poor die younger and suffer
more from disability. They are exposed to greater risk frcim unhealthy conditions at
home and at work. Malnutrition and the legacy of past illness means that they are
Inore likely to fall ill and slower recovery due to litue access to health care. When
a family's breadwiizner becomes ill, other members of the household may at first
cope by working harder themselves and by reducing consumption, even of food.
Both adjustments can hann health of whole family. Investments to reduce health
risks among poor and provision of insurance against catastrophic health case costs
are important elements in a strategy for reducing poverty.
Govt. of India has a well planned and organized Public Care Sector with its
infrastructure at all levels to provide comprehensive primary health care services
according to needs of people, which are accessible affordable, acceptable to every
individual irrespective of any discrimination. The system has its difficulties in tenns
of money, materials, Inanpower and their utilization in providing effective care to the
poor and needy. ,

3.3.2 Poverty and Standard of Living /Life Style

Standard of living: The term standard of living refers to the expenditure we incur
on the goods we consume and the services we enjoy. It includes foods, dress,
houses, amusements and in short, the mode of life.
The standard of living of a country depends upon :

1) The level of national income

2) Total amount of goods and services a counhy is able to produce

3) The size of population
 4) The level of education Poverty and Comlnunity
Development P1.ograrnrnes
5) General price level and
6) The,distributionof National Income.
The standard of living is ultimately related to the health and diseases of a
population, where standard of living is high, diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes
and dysentery, cholera and leprosy are less prevalent, the birth and death rates of
the population.are lower, the nutritional standards are better, and the people live
longer. It is the effort of all countries to revise the standard of living of their
people.

There are vast inequalities in the standard of living of the people in different
countries of the world. The extent of these differences are usually measured
through the comparison of GNP on which the standard of living priinarily
depends.

Life Style: The life style denotes "the way people live, their social ialues,
attitudes, occupation, living habits (smoking, alcoholism), cultural and behaviour
patterns that have been developed through socialization". Life styles are learned
through interaction with parents, peers, friends and sibling at home, school and
community. Poverty leads to a different social norms and values which an
individual believes where.he/she lives in. The personal habits'of smoking, drinking
have been found more among poor comnm~mitydue to lack of recreational
opportunities, f'mily traits, ignorance and illiteracy etc.

3.4 SOLUTIONS OF POVERTY

It is evident that poverty is a vely complex socio-econonlic problem, and is nol
very simple to solve. It requires a multifaceted approach and joint efforts of the
society, government and people. The Government 01India has launched several
social welfare and developilzent programmes, which are helping the rural poor to
rise above the poverty line and to improve their living status.
The community development programmes are also called the people's programme
since it involves cooperative endeavour and self help of the people to build a new
and prosperous India.
a
The United Nations defined community development as the process by which the
efforts of the people themselves are united with hose of government iutllorities
to improve the economic, social and cultural conditions of communities to integrate
their communities with the life of the nation 'and to enable them to contribute fully
to nation process.
The inceition of these programmes dates back to 1950 when the Government of
India made the planning commission responsible for formulating plan of action for
most effective use of country's human and material resources. The commission
laid down a 'Community Developmenl Progranme,'

3.4.1 Community ~ e j e l o ~ m e Programmes

nt
' i) Community Development and Extension Programme: The Programme
was launched during the Fist Five year Plan 011 2nd October, 1952 at the .
national level to deal with the problems of poverty, ill-health and illiteracy.
Various income generating activities like agriculture, animal husbandry,
fishery, chicken farming, small scale industries etc.; were included and
people were helped with monetary assistance and technical know how not 51
 Role of Nurse in Specific only lo raise their own income but also to provide jobs to others. The
Societal Health Problems Programnle was on a continuous basis, and is implemented through the
successive five year plans. Though the programme was successful, it could
not reach the needy and poor people. Various other specific and planned
programmes have been launched, which are given below.

ii) The Minimum Needs Programme: It was introduced in the Sixth Five Year
Plan for the alleviation of poverty and deprivation among the rural people.
The programme aims at helping the poor coine out of the poverty line and
improve their living standard by giving them income generating assets and
credil for increasing productivity and in agriculture and other development
sectors. It covers all the rural blocks. It is estimated to have benefited 16.5
million families through Sixth Plan and around 20 million through Seventh Plan.

iv) The Scheme of Training the Rural Youth for Self-employment: This was
also started in August 1979. Technical training was given to 9.4 lakh youths
duiing the Sixth Plan under this programme. The Programme continued
during the Seventh Plan also.

v) The National Rural Employment Progranune: It was slated in October

1980 to remove poverty from the rural areas. Under this Programme, the
workers were provided subsidized wheat and rice along with employment
opportunities. The Programme alsocontinued through the seventh Plan.

vi) The Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme: It was started

in August 1983, with an aim to guarantee employment to at least one member
of evely landless household up to 100 days in a year.
Some other programme are like Operation of the Land celling Laws, Distribution of
the Surplus Land to the Landless Labour along with Financial Help, Abolition of the
Bonded Labour and their Rehabilitation, the Drought Prone Area Programme, the
Desert Development Progrsumne and the Hill Area Development Programme, to
bring up the people above the poverty line and improve their living standard,
In addition to all these programmes, there are also special component plans started
with the Sixth Plan to provide substantial help to the Scheduled Castes so as lo
enable them to cross the poverty line. Similarly, an integrated approach for
development of the tribal areas was launched in the Fifth Plan to improve the socio-
economic conditions and quality of life of the tribals. These progrsunines were
started to give an added thrust to [he already existing programmes for the rural
poor, tribals and Scheduled Castes.
As for the urban poor, the self employenlent programme has been initiated du4ng
the Seventh Plan to help them rise above the poverty line and improve their living
standard.
These programmes have helped in reducing the number of people below the
poverty line.
Besides these government programmes, charitable and voluntary organizations like
the Red Cross Society, VHAI, CMAI, Lions Club etc., participate actively in
helping the poor. Most of the times, the help is for a short period and when
required. Usually, this organization, etc. The problem of poverty is gigantic,
and this contribution is like a drop in the ocean. .
Other programmes, which also help in tackling the problem of poverty and
improving the living standard, are populatioll control programme, improved
agricultural technology, industrialization, small scale industries, vocational education
52 creating employ~nentopportunities and developing self-employment capacities.
 Poverty and Community
3.4.2 Poverty Alleviation Programmes Development Programmes
Anti Poverty Programmes airned at helping the poor instead of entise population.
The main objective is to directly help the poor to improve their economic, physical
(nutrition and health ) and social conditions.
Govt. has introduced several Anti-Poverty Programmes during sixth Plan Major
Programmes for the poor in India can be broadly divided as
' i) To promote self employment.
ii) To provide wage employment.
Main Poverty Alleviation Programmes in rural areas:
e Integrated Rural Development Programmes
a National Rural Employment Progra~mnes
e Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programmes
e Employment Insurance Scheme.
Urban Poverty Alleviation Programmes:
e Differentj.d Rate of Interest (DRE)
9 Scheme for self elnployment for educated uneinployed youth
e Nehru Rcdyar Yozna
a Prime Ministers Rojgar Yozna.
To strengthen the effectiveness of Anti Poverty Programmes, the Govt. has
initiated three changes:

1) Panchayati Raj Institutions should be involved LO improve targeting and

delivery system.
2) Role of self help groups for credit mobilization and involvement of NGO's in
programmes.
3) Multiplicity of already existing programmes.
3'4.3 Rural Development
In India 70% Population live in rural area and where more than 80% poverty
exists hence rural developinent is utmost in~portanceto alleviate poverty.
a) Agricultural Development: Agriculture is the largest and most imnportant
sector of Indian economy, It plays a crucial role in providing food to the
nation, einploylnent to population, raw material to industries and surpluses for
national economic development. With decline in food grain production, prices
rise, wages increase, indt~sb-ial growtli slows down and exports suffer.
Agricultural sector contribute more than 215th of Gross Domestic'Product
(GDP) and also responsible for growth of industry, trade, transport, banking
business and services, which in turn influence the growth of GDP.
Therefore proper steps must be tcaken to raise the level of productivity and
create alternate einploylnent opportunities for improving economic status.
b) Industrial Development: Rural industrialization aims at maximum
productive employment of local resources, the revival and developn~entof
rural areas, 'to provide employment to people, which adds to local prosperity,
progressively narrowing the disparities between urban and rural incomes
Role of Nurse in Specific and prevents migration of rural populations. Rural industrialization means
Societal Health Problems integration of industry in the life of the sural community, it is not only
introduction of new technology but also optimum utilization of local raw
materials and manpower.

c) Agro-Based Industries: The establishment of agro industries is another vital

instrument to use not only raw material in an optimum business prosperity, but
also to use abundant labour force available at rural areas. Agro industlies are
easy to establish and provide income in the sural aseas with less investment.
These industries facilititates effective and efficient utilization of agricultural
raw material some of these industries like processed food and food
preparations have tremendous export potential.

d) Rural Education: Education is a universally recognized as a Central

component of human capital. The role of education as a contributor to
economic growth and its impact on population conirol, life expectancy, infant
mortiali ty, improving nutritional status and strengthening civil institutions is
well known. It has been found that education is important social resource and
ineans of reducing inequality in society. It is necessasy to provide equal
opportunities to all sections of the society to provide social and economic
equality for all, by providing free education, health care for school children,
book banks, hostel facilities, scholarships etc. Rural people should be provided
technical education and adult education.

e) Rural Health Care: Health care is an important component of rural

development. Good health and nutrition increase labor productivity and good
health of mothers is crucial to health of children they bear. Infant and
maternal mortality is still high. Children die mainly due to acute respiratory
infection, malnutrition and diarrhoea1 diseases, per capita expenditure o n health
care is very low in rural and more outlay on health care is concentrated in
urban areas and on expensive hospital facilities. Rural population have
limited access to modern health services. More services are provided with .
less number of population coverage in urban areas and often provide curative
sewices and neglecting the preventive care. Substantial expansion on
primary health care is absolutely necessary to protect the health of rural
. population. Rural hospital should be established by providing adequate staff,
essential drugs and tinances etc.
!

f) Rural Infrastructure: Rural infrastructure comprises rural roads and rural

housing. Rural roads connectivity is important aspect of community
development. A centrally sponsored scheme has been launched called
Pradhzn Mantri G;am Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), which seeks to provide
, connectivity to all unconnected habitation in rural areas with a population of
more than 500.

According to 1991 census, 3.1 million households are without shelter and .
10.31 million households reside in Kachcha house. Hence the National
Housing Habitat policy was.launched in 1998 to provide " Housing for all"
and facilitates constnxction of 13 lakhs additional housing units in rural areas
, annually with an emphasis on benefit to poor and depiived.

g) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation: The rural health problems are related
to unavailability of safe drinking water and lack of sanitation facilities in rural
areas, stagnant water is obtained from tanks and pools and is used for
bathing, cleaning etc.; which endangers health and reduce their productiv~ty,
Sanitation helps to prevent the iqcidence of several diseases and provide
better quaIity of life.
Community Development Programmes: (CDP) was defined as "a process Poverty and Conununity
designed to create conditions of economic and social progress by the whole Development Programmes
community with its active-participation and the fullest possible reliance upon the
community's initiative" Community development is the process by which the efforts
of the people themselves are united with those of governmental authorities to
improve the economic, social and cultural life of the nation and to enable them to
contribute fully to National progress.

3.4.4 Community Development Programme and Wealth Services I

s I
Health is an integral part of community development because standards of health
are closely linked with econo~nicand social spcture of the community.

Health Care in the community development areas is an integrated pattern,

combining preventive aspect with curative services included are basic health
services as per the recommendations of the health survey and development
committee. This integrated basic health care is provided in rural areas through the .
primary health centers.

For administrative convenience, the country has been divided into conllnunity
development blocks each coveting a population of 80,000 lo 1,00,000. Each block
consists of 100 villages. At present, each block has to have one com~nunityhealth
centre covering population of 80,000 to 1,00,000, 3-4 primary health centre each
covering population of 20,000 to 30,000 and 10-20 sub-centre each covering a
population of 5000.

Above all, people develop their self-concept and self image through education and
motivation by a widespread literacy progralnme. Encouraging women to be
functionally literate and improve their economic status also helps.

3.5 ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

Poverty is not an area for direct intesvention by nursing persotlnel. As discussed
above, poverty is associated with increasing mobility, poor general health and high
mortality. Poor families, are therefore, high risk families for all kinds of
communicable, xion-communicable and chronic disease. However, the nurses can
play a very important role in helping these families to prevent and control the
diseases and improve their general health status.

The nurse's role, in general, is that of care taker, health provider, teacher, guide,
counselor, advocate, helper, etc. Some of the functions to serve these roles are;

i) Home visiting on priority basis to the villages that are considered to be poor.
1

ii) Identification of high risk families.

iii) Investigations of health needs and health pro61ems of the poor families, -
environment, life style and resources.

iv) Planning and provididg need-based care to deal with the existing problems:
- Providing direct care either by herself or through the auxiliary nurses,
voluntary health guides, etc.
- Educating the family metnbers to give care.

ucatian of the poor regarding healthful living, prevention of various diseases

ough immunization, hygienic practices etc. 55
 Role of Nurse in Specific vi) Helping them to utilize community resources meant for them.
Societal Health Problems
vii) Creating awareness about various social welfare schemes and kind of
assistance they can avail of from these schemes.

viii) Creating awareness about income generating activities, which can be initiated
at home; and helping them in that, if possible.

ix) Encouraging them to educate their children and spread adult education to
develop their capacities and abilities to improve their socio-economic
condition.

3.6, LET US SUM UP

Poverty is a serious socio-economic problem. Though, it is declining in its absolute
terms because of various social welfare programme, but 50 per cent of the
population>live below the acceptance standard of living. Some of the underlying
causes of poverty are being born poor, lack of motivation atld laziness paor
education, women's illiteracy larger families, increasing population, poor resources
and their maldistribution, vested interest of society, etc. This complex problem is I

taclcled by a malpronged approach, i.e., by the government's speciflc social welfare ,

programme, population control programme, industrialization,improved agricultural
technology and with active participation of the people. The nurses can help in
creating awareness about the existing programme, encourage income generating
activities, and help in the $revention and control of health problems, and therefore,
56 contribute to improving the living standard of the people.
 Poverty and Community I
3.7 rnY%;VOrnS Development Programmes I

Barest : Only just sufficient

I

Convention : General agreement by the implied concent of the

majority

Exploil;Atiorm : Use or clevelopment for one's own ends, take I

advantage of I i,
1.

lmproverished : Made poor

I

;
8
;I
,

tI

NztturaP Dependent : Dependent by virtue of birth I

Subsistence : Means of supporting life

Subsistence Level : Wage just enough to provide the basic necessities of

life

ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress 1

1) Absolute poverty is based on the minimum living requirements e.g., food,

clothing, sllelter, education leisure and recreation. In India, it is assessed on
the basis of the minimum desirable nutritional standard of the intake of
calories, which is 2400 calories in the rural area and 2100 calories in the urban
areas. It helps to assess absolute number belaw poverty.

2) Relative poverty is based on the standard of living and the life style, as
'accepted by society at any given time. These acceptable standards and life-
style are relative to society, time and place, and hence, are not the same but
change, and inay also change with individuals. However, it is difficult to ,
determine the number of the poor people and to make co~nparison.
,
3) Born in poor family, lack of aspiration and nutrilion, fear of failure, and social
obligation, large family and population explosion, tmequal distribution of
resources, unemployment, inflation and price rise and the vested jnterests of
society.

Check Your Progress 2

1) Poverty leads to ~nalnutritionthereby, resulting in poor general health and low

resistence. The poor people have substai~dwdand filthy living environmei~t,
whicH is a source for breading of flies, mosquitoes, pathogenic microbes, etc.
In addition, beca~~slse of ignorance and poor basic amenities, superstitious and
traditions, etc., life styles and day-to-day practices of people are unfavourable
to health. All these factors help increase morbidity and mortality, which again
lowers the general resistance, deplete already scarce resohrces. Thus the
cycle repeats.

2). There are social welfare and development programme launched by the
Government. Some of these are: '

L
i
Community ~ e v e l o ~ r n eand
n t Extension Programme since 1953.

Minimuni Needs Programme since the Fifth Five Year Plan. 57

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Role of Nurse i r ~:speei!lc e Integrated Rural Development Programme from the Sixth Plans
Societal Health Problems onwards.

c Training of Rural Youth for self-employment since October, 1980.

e Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme since 1983.

Other programmes like operation of the land ceiling laws, distribution.of the surplus
land to the landless labour, abolition of the bonded labour and their rehabilitation.
Programme for drought prone areas, desert development, special component
programme for the Schedule Caste, integrated approach for development of tribal
areas, self employment programme for the urban poor. Other programme are
population control, industrilization, development of small scale industries, agriculture
technology, literacy and educational programmes, public distribution system, etc.
These programmes help in removing pove~tyand improving living standard of the
people in general.

3) - Identify the poor families

- Investigate their socio-economic conditions, health needs and health
problems.
- Provide need-based care, and educate them about personal cleanliness,
immunization of children, their nutrition, etc.
- Make them aware about income-generating programmes and availing the
services, etc.
- Encouraging them for education of their children.