Evaluation Of Knowledge of Asha Workers Regarding Various Health Services Under NRHM in Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

Abstract

Background: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is the first port of call for any health related demands of deprived sections of the population, who find difficult to access health services. The knowledge about health services of ASHA is crucial for the suc- cess of NRHM. Objective of the study was to assess eligiblity criteria for recruitment of ASHA workers and to assess knowledge regarding the activities of ASHAs on the various health services under NRHM. Methods: Study was conducted in 9 PHC of 3 blocks in the Jam- nagar district from March 2012 to February 2013 and all ASHA workers under these PHCs were visited on “Mamta Day” making a total sample size of 194. Results: Nearly 80% of ASHAs were below 35 years and none is above 45 years. 83.51% of ASHAs were having education up to Secondary level and two-third of ASHAs (67%) belonged to lower socio-economical status, i.e. class IV and V. Conclusions: Accord- ing to the findings of our study various selection criteria for re- cruiting ASHA workers were maintained in the district. Majority of ASHA correctly knew about various elements of the RCH pro- gramme but knowledge about other element were found deficient in notable percentage. So there is an urgent need for key actions at the District and Facility levels to improve ASHAs’ knowledge.

Keywords

• ASHA worker
• Health services
• Knowledge
• NRHM