Lessons learned from organizations implementing income generation plus health education among indigenous guatemalan women artisans: Findings from a qualitative study

Background: Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Guatemala strive to alleviate poverty among indigenous women through income generation. Select NGOs incorporate health education within their programs as a strategy to address health more directly. This qualitative study identifies factors essential to achieving success for two such NGOs. Objective: To identify lessons learned and best practices from organizations working to improve the livelihood and well-being of indigenous Guatemalan women through income generation plus health education. Methods: Researchers conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 34 indigenous Guatemalan women artisans and 9 NGO staff. Interviews explored respondents' experiences with an NGO's income generation and health education activities. Researchers analyzed the data employing a Grounded Theory approach. Researchers used results to develop a conceptual model illustrating the pathway through which income generation plus health education can improve the lives of indigenous women artisans. Results: Organizational as well as artisan-level factors surfaced as instrumental to successful income generation plus health education efforts. Artisans expressed maximizing earning potential by diversifying into non-artisan work. At the organizational level, staff expressed a genuine dedication to the organization's social mission. NGOs also placed importance on group interactions, which diffused and reinforced health education content. As a result, although health education activities were secondary to income generation, respondents recalled specific health information. Conclusion: NGOs implementing income generation plus health education among indigenous Guatemalan artisans have the potential to improve the health and well-being of their participants. Future income generation projects may benefit from applying the current study's lessons learned and conceptual model.