Training, Opportunities and Challenges of Accredited Social Health Activists for Providing Maternal and Child Health Care in Murshidabad District of West Bengal

Introduction: Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) are community health workers. ASHAs play an important role in identifying child morbidity at the earliest and help in improving their health status. While working in the community ASHAs face certain challenges and need specific training to work effectively and efficiently. Present study was conducted to study the training need, challenges and opportunities faced by ASHAs while working in community. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic profile, training status, opportunity and challenges of ASHAs working in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among ASHAs in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. A total of 237 ASHAs were interviewed by using systematic random sampling. Data was collected by using pretested standard questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using Epi info. Results: Out of 237 ASHAs, Majority (n=208, 88%) received the recommended 23 or more days of training while the rest of them received less than 23 days of training. Non availability of transport for referring pregnant women for delivery (39%, n=93), and absence of services (n=83, 35%) or staff (n=36, 15%) at health facility were the main challenges faced by ASHAs while performing their work.