Participatory Workshop-Based Intervention for Better Preparedness and Awareness About Disaster Management Among Accredited Social Health Activists in India: A Brief Report.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs in improving the knowledge about disaster management among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Mysuru, India. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 ASHAs of 3 Primary Health Centers in Mysuru district. A 3-h disaster management training and workshop followed by a mock-drill was organized in each center. Knowledge about disaster preparedness and management was assessed before and 1 mo after the intervention using a questionnaire by interview method. The data obtained were entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using licensed SPSS 22 software. The mean score obtained by the ASHAs in pretraining assessment was 37.2 ± 10.4. Improvement was evident in the knowledge and preparedness of ASHAs 1 mo after the training, which showed a mean score of 90.14 ± 5.05. This change in score was statistically significant with a P-value < 0.001 on performing a paired t-test. Training programs with mock drills and hands-on activities are effective in improving the knowledge of frontline health workers about disaster management. We recommend such training to be organized in all public health facilities.