Effectiveness Evaluation of Community-based Rehabilitation Program in Empowerment of Rural Women in Birjand Counry

This research was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CBR in empowerment of rural women with disabilities in Birjand County, South Khorasan Province. This descriptive research was done using survey method. The statistical population of this research included all rural women with disabilities which covered by CBR in Birjand County (N=591). According to Cochran formula, sample size was determined (n=204). The respondent was selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Content and formal validity of the researcher-made questionnaire as research tool was approved by an expert panel. Its reliability was confirmed by calculated Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (between 0.72 and 0.98). According to research findings, 18.10% of the respondents have assessed the effectiveness of the CBR very high and high. Also, 5.10, 12, 41 and 5/23% of the respondents have assessed the effectiveness of the CBR, moderate, low and very low, respectively. Results of compare means tests revealed a significant difference between respondents in terms of effectiveness assessment of the CBR: the respondents who have received training services, the respondents who used hearing aids, and the respondents with hearing and speech disabilities assessed the CBR more effective. Factor analysis of the influencing factors on effectiveness of the CBR was led to extract three factors, including: need-based approach of CBR, social supporting of CBR and institutional coordination and cohesion. These factors explained 78/33 percent of total variance of influencing factors on effectiveness of the CBR. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a significant positive correlation between assessment of CBR effectiveness and life satisfaction, skills, education, need-based approach of CBR, institutional coordination and cohesion of the CBR, income and social support to the CBR as independent variables.