An Appraisal Regarding Performance of ASHA in Rural Odisha-A Community Based Prospective Study

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM, 2005-12) now called National Health Mission (NHM) a flagship program of Government of India, has been launched since 12 years which it aims to deliver effective health care to the rural disadvantage population. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) being the community health mobilizer is the main driving force of their area to the health system under NHM. This study aims to describe and relate factors affecting function of ASHA in her area, with a special focus on their service evaluation from various community stakeholders' perspective. Aim of the Study: To describe various factors affecting performance of ASHA. Material and Method: Community based cross sectional study design at Jagatsinghpur district in between July, 2012 to June, 2013 (12months). Convenient sampling procedure is being followed and total numbers of study respondents are 117. Predesigned pretested questionnaire is used for data collection. Result and Discussion: Most of the (73%) ASHAs are in service for financial reason. Eighty percent (80%) of ASHA have adequate knowledge regarding Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services. As per AWWs (Anganwadi Workers) opinion only 28% of the ASHA are good in referral of critical cases. Conclusion: regular and periodic refreshing training should be given with assessment. Incentive rates should be revised in order to motivate them for better performance.