Abstract

ARE ACCREDITED SOCIAL HEALTH ACTIVIST WORKERS AWARE OF THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Introduction: The role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers is vital in public health delivery system in India. The study was planned with objective to assess the socio-demographic profile of ASHA workers, awareness and practices of their roles and responsibilities and difficulties faced while working in north-east district of Delhi, India. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in north east district of Delhi among 55 ASHA workers after taking written informed consent. Data was collected using a pre tested semi-structured questionnaire consisted of items on socio-demographic profile of ASHA workers, knowledge and practices about their roles and responsibilities and difficulties faced in community. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 17. Qualitative data was expressed in percentages and quantitative data was expressed in mean + SD. Results: Mean age (+SD) of ASHAs was 31.84 + 7.2 years. Most of them were married (96.4%), Hindu (85.5%) and were catering to a population of 1000-2000 (87.3%). Most of the ASHA workers were aware of their work of maternal and child health services. However lesser numbers were aware of their role in registration of births and deaths and to treat minor ailments. 96.4% reported that they maintain family planning register, only 51 (92.7%) reported that they maintain antenatal register. 10 (18.2%) ASHAs reported that they face problems in coordination with Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs). Conclusion: ASHAs performance is impacted by their limited orientation towards their roles and responsibilities. Training should provide complete knowledge about the same.

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