Abstract
Background: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programme has been accepted, and the services utilization has been increased among many Indian communities since its inception in 2005 under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). ASHA worker's knowledge is important for the success of this program. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge of ASHA workers about Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services. To determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the level of knowledge of ASHA workers about Maternal and Child Health services. Methods and Material: A cross sectional study was conducted among 295 ASHA workers of Mysuru Taluk, Karnataka from January to April 2019. Sample size was calculated based on the estimation of proportions method and all the ASHA workers were selected randomly. The semi-structured self-administered questionnaire formulated based on the ASHA modules and translated into the local language (Kannada) was used for data collection. Descriptive data was analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. For the association between variables, Chi-square / Fisher’s exact test was used. Results: Knowledge about Antenatal Care was average among half (51.5%) of the participants. All the listed danger signs during pregnancy were identified only by 49.5% of ASHA workers. About 50% of the respondents were not aware of the exclusive breastfeeding till six months after birth. Conclusions: Knowledge levels about maternal and child health services were found to be average in most of ASHA workers.
Highlights
Health is a fundamental human right all over the world and the main aspect to be considered for the growth of any society in social and economical terms, but sadly there exist an inequity in the provision of healthcare both in developing and developed world.The perception of ‘health for all' by Alma Ata declaration insists on decreasing these differences by stressing the importance of primary health care and strengthening the capacity of basic level health workers
Socio-Demographic characteristics: The number of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers participated in the study was 295
ASHA workers are involved in mobilizing the community, the age group is an important factor since it requires physical strength
Summary
Health is a fundamental human right all over the world and the main aspect to be considered for the growth of any society in social and economical terms, but sadly there exist an inequity in the provision of healthcare both in developing and developed world.The perception of ‘health for all' by Alma Ata declaration insists on decreasing these differences by stressing the importance of primary health care and strengthening the capacity of basic level health workers. No health programs can be successful without community participation and acceptance. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programme has been accepted, and the services utilization has been increased among many Indian communities since its inception in 2005 under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). ASHA worker's knowledge is important for the success of this program. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge of ASHA workers about Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services. To determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the level of knowledge of ASHA workers about Maternal and Child Health services. Results: Knowledge about Antenatal Care was average among half (51.5%) of the participants. Conclusions: Knowledge levels about maternal and child health services were found to be average in most of ASHA workers
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