Awareness and Practices of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Workers about Child Health: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Use of community health workers as a strategy for improving the health of individuals and communities is increasingly getting attention worldwide. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) has been introduced in National Rural Health Mission. Are they aware of what is expected from them for child health? Objective: To assess the awareness and practices of ASHA workers regarding child health. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in north east district of Delhi among 55 ASHA workers. Data was collected using a pre tested semi-structured questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographic profile of ASHA workers, and knowledge and practices about child health. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 17. Results: Mean age of ASHAs was 31.84 + 7.2 years. Most of them were married (96.4%) and Hindu (85.5%). Fifty two (94.5%) ASHA workers knew that exclusive breastfeeding should be continued till 6 months of age. 54 (98.2%) ASHAs were aware of their role of mobilizing children for immunization and 43 (78.2%) knew about their role in counseling mothers about child nutrition. Thirty seven (67.3%) ASHA workers reported that they used to visit the newborn in their area within a week of birth. None of the ASHA workers were provided with drug kits. Conclusion: The present study showed knowledge is good in certain areas, but improvement is needed in other areas and skills and administrative support is needed to deliver child health services effectively.