Level of awareness among trained Accredited Social Health Activist workers in the field of women's health and child development - A survey

CONTEXT: Currently, the Government of India is providing comprehensive integrated health care to the rural people under the umbrella of National Rural Health Mission. A village level community health worker "Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)" acts as an interface between the community and the public health system. A time-to-time assessment of the knowledge of ASHAs is essential as the success of government's health programs in rural areas depends on them, and hence, this research is conducted to identify the knowledge that ASHA has in the field of preventive women's health and childcare. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was done at Panvel Taluka in Raigad District of Maharashtra. The study participants were Trained ASHA workers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of the department of preventive and community physiotherapy. The study participants were trained ASHA workers. All 100 ASHA workers were included as per the eligibility criteria. After obtaining prior consent, all ASHAs were interviewed using a self-designed, semi-structured questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed in Excel and valid result and conclusion were drawn. RESULTS: Majority of ASHA workers had correct knowledge about problems faced by women during breastfeeding (91%), breastfeeding positions (97%), and delivery positions (96%). They were lacking in knowledge about pelvic floor problems such as uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence. This research is conducted to identify the knowledge that ASHA has in the field of preventive women's health and childcare. CONCLUSION: Despite the training given to ASHA workers, they are hardly aware about preventive measures for women's health and child development.