Knowledge and Practice of Accredited Social Health Activists for Providing Maternal and Child Health Care in Murshidabad District of West Bengal

Background: In India ASHA programme was launched in 2006 to facilitate the delivery of mother and child health services in rural areas. We conducted a study in Murshidabad district of West Bengal to describe the knowledge and functioning of ASHAs in relation to maternal and child health care services. Methods: We interviewed 237 ASHAs working in Murshidabad district to collect information about the socio demographic details, job profiles, training, knowledge and functions and the challenges faced by them during working. Results: Most of the ASHAs conformed to the standard selection criteria in terms of age, marital status and education. One third ASHAs were Muslims in that district where two third of the population belonged to the same religious community. One third of them were not residents of their areas. Knowledge of ASHAs about breast feeding practices, low birth weight was below the expected. Conclusion: Vacant posts of ASHAs are to be filled up and their selection should be representative of the community they serve. It is to be ensured that their job profiles correspond to the national guidelines. Training to be arranged regularly to update their knowledge levels on home based maternal and neonatal care. They need encouragement for more home visits.