A Study on Awareness of Asha Workers of Delhi State on Mch Care & Services

The impact of NRHM and the ASHA would be meaningful when the individual ASHAs who are chosen and trained perform as an effective link worker for better use of health facilities, and basic health services. The key selection criteria such as education level, representativeness of the local community, adequate knowledge and preparedness to perform effectively are also found (1) to be extremely critical for sustainability and retention. Large number of urban areas have been completely left out or poorly targeted due to lack of sensitization among service providers and a sense of apathy towards urban poor by considering them as an "unnecessary intrusion" into the city. ASHA being a local women selected by the community is considered suitable for serving the urban population also. However not much studies were done to explore the performance, and knowledge of ASHA workers in an urban setting. Therefore the present study aimed to assess awareness of ASHAs on MCH care&Services in Delhi state and to find the association of knowledge with specific demographic variables.

Methodology: A survey was conducted in the eight community setting of Delhi at South, South East, South West, East, North East, West, North West and Central Zones. 500 ASHAs were selected randomly and were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed by using SPSS and valid conclusions were drawn.

Result: Most of the ASHAs were aware about positive health behavior services on family planning, menopause, reproductive tract disease, sex education. However nearly half were not comprehended regarding counseling mothers on care during pregnancy i.e Intra Natal, Post Natal, new born care, Primary MCH services, Immunization, nutritional deficiencies and Sensitize regarding unsafe abortions&MTP. No significant difference found in the knowledge level of ASHAs with their age&educational qualification. However a significant difference was observed in knowledge level of ASHA with the years of experience.

Conclusion: The study findings indicated need for continuous&consistent training, recognition and reinforcement for better performance, motivation and also for retention.