IJCRR - 7(10), May, 2015
Pages: 14-19
AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE, JOB-RELATED DIFFICULTIES AND DISSATISFACTION OF ASHAS IN RURAL INDIA
Author: Adwitiya Das, Aparajita Dasgupta
Category: General Sciences
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Abstract:
Background: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), a voluntary worker operating under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), was launched with the intention of improving the reproductive and child health (RCH) services in rural India.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of ASHAs in rural Bengal, find out the predictors of poor performance, and search for causes of dissatisfaction and difficulties faced during work.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of three months on 56 ASHAs, working in a particular service area. Mixed methods were employed.
Results: Out of 56 ASHAs participating in the study, working as ASHA was the only source of income in 76.79%. Majority received inadequate modular trainings (73.21%), and 39.29% lacked job satisfaction. 44.64% ASHAs had poor performance. Predictors of poor performance were age > 35 years, education less than graduate, and lack of job satisfaction. Focused Group Discussion (FGD) revealed that they were dissatisfied with inadequate remuneration and troubled by lack of essential medicine supply.
Conclusion: Urgent and effective measures should be taken for betterment of the performance of ASHAs, and to redress their grievances.
Keywords: ASHA, NRHM, RCH, knowledge, Practice, Job satisfaction
Citation:
Adwitiya Das, Aparajita Dasgupta. AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE, JOB-RELATED DIFFICULTIES AND DISSATISFACTION OF ASHAS IN RURAL INDIA International Journal of Current Research and Review. 7(10), May, 14-19
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