STATUS OF TRAINING OF ASHA (ACCREDITED SOCIAL HEALTH ACTIVIST) WORKERS IN A RURAL BLOCK OF HARYANA.

Meely Panda*, Neelam Kumar and Jagbir Singh Malik

ABSTRACT

Objective: Objective of this study was to assess the status of training of ASHA workers and to evaluate factors affecting their performance. Methods: Study was done from October 2012 till May 2013 in a rural block of Haryana. There were a total of 28 ASHA workers, 23 AWWs (Anganwadi Workers), 6 ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and 5 Sarpanch. A list of all the ASHA workers (28 in number) along with their phone numbers were collected from the LHV (Lady Health Visitor). A semi-structured questionnaire was handed over to them and status of training and details related to their level of satisfaction and difficulty in work process was assessed. The other health functionaries were also questioned and results were entered into excel sheet for analysis. Result: It was observed that 32% of ASHA workers were not trained at all, 60% were incompletely trained i.e. less than 23 days of training and only the rest 7% were completely trained. About 80% of ASHA workers were satisfied with their career options but 75% found difficulty in the process of working. It was observed that those ASHAs who were satisfied with their career options were helped by the health functionaries and this relation had statistical significance. Conclusion: Training status of ASHA workers significantly affects the other activities taken up by her. She is required to work in collaboration with the other health workers which in turn affects the working conditions, satisfaction and difficulties in the work processes if any.

Keywords: ASHA workers, Health functionaries, Training.