Intranatal (labor & child birth) and postnatal care services – Role of ASHAs

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality and neonatal mortality are substantial burden in developing countries. Every pregnant woman during all the 3 trimesters, during labor & postpartum period is at the risk of facing sudden, unpredictable complications that could end in death or injury to herself or to her infant. Complications like abortion, preeclampsia, eclampsia, ruptured uterus, puerperal sepsis, postpartum haemorrhage etc. which result in maternal mortality, morbidity and perinatal death are unpredictable. Objective: To assess the knowledge of ASHAs regarding intranatal and postnatal care services. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on ASHAs of 2 PHCs and 1 CHC of Belagavi Rural area. All (100) ASHAs were included in the study. Ethical clearance and Informed consent was obtained. Data regarding the knowledge of ASHAs about their roles and responsibilities towards intranatal and postnatal care services was collected using questionnaire by JHPIEGO. Results: The findings of the study revealed that ASHAs had knowledge about high BP 75%, 64%, severe vaginal bleeding 82%, 95%, convulsions (43%) during Labor and Childbirth and during postpartum period respectively. They had very low knowledge regarding - prolonged labor (12%), retained placenta (7%). Early breastfeeding (93%), dry and wrap (100%) and exclusive breastfeeding (80%) were 3 basic cares provided to the baby. There was a significant linear association between knowledge and level of education of ASHAs (p-value - 0.0092). Conclusion: Knowledge of ASHAs about intranatal and postnatal care services was poor. Hence need of the hour is to train ASHAs regarding intranatal and postnatal care services.

Keywords

• Maternal health
• Intranatal
• Postnatal
• Accredited social health activist