Jeevadhara (fountain of life) : report of the evaluation of radio broadcast on protected water supply and environmental sanitation

The Jeevadhara (Fountain of Life) Programme was conceived by the All India Radio and the Socio-Economic Units, Kerala. The report represents an evaluation of a series of weekly broadcasts on Protected Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation. These broadcasts were relayed to all radio stations in Kerala in the period from 14 November 1988 to 2 June 1989. The general aim was to create awareness among people about the importance of protected water supply and environmental sanitation. The two main intentions were: (a) Change some of the undesirable health practices prevalent among the people; (b) Educate the people and make them understand and gain some control over factors that affect community health. Questionnaires were distributed to some 1,500 registered listeners to evaluate the impact of the series on the people. It was also used to gauge the suitability of radio in information sharing and for educating people in habits connected with drinking water and sanitation. The main aim being to assess the extent to which the messages in the broadcasts had been understood and indentified by the listeners. A total of 1,035 questionnaires were returned. The report also includes a review of similar studies carried out in this field in other countries.