title: Child survival and baseline surveys: a description of literacy rates of women of child bearing age in abia and imo States, Nigeria.
abstract: The results of a literacy need assessment conducted in eight autonomous communities, four from both Abia and Imo States, is presented and discussed. Data were obtained via survey interview and administered to 209 and 235 subjects respectively for Abia and Imo States. The information was collected to form a baseline level of operation prior to the Literacy for Health Intervention implemented by Africare/Owerri and the Imo State Ministry of Health. Results suggest both similar and varied trends regarding literacy abilities of participants and their attitudes regarding adult literacy instruction in the samples from both communities. This study emphasizes the literacy needs items of the survey. Findings support the need for literacy for health interventions in these areas and confirm the need for interventions to improve literacy skills and enhance the quality of life of families living in these communities. It is anticipated that data obtained regarding baseline assessments and interviews may be used to examine the long-term effectiveness and impact of literacy for health care activities under the auspices of child survival projects.
authors.affiliation: Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Oriuwa