Evaluation of Knowledge and Skills of Home Based Newborn Care among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)

Indian Pediatr. 2016 Aug 8;53(8):689-91. doi: 10.1007/s13312-016-0911-3. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Abstract

Objective: We assessed the knowledge level and skills of trained ASHAs in providing home-based newborn Care.

Methods: 100 ASHAs from two talukas of Anand district of Gujarat participated. Knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire while certain skills were assessed through direct observation on mannequine.

Results: The mean (SD) knowledge score of the participants was 16.7(3.16) out of 34. The skills were satisfactory in 52%, 61%, 43%, and 68% of ASHA workers for temperature measurement, hand washing, weight measurement and skin-to-skin care, respectively. Huge variability was observed in self reported field performance of ASHAs.

Conclusion: knowledge and skills of Asha works in this region were inadequate.

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Workers* / standards
  • Community Health Workers* / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Home Care Services* / standards
  • Home Care Services* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Postnatal Care* / standards
  • Postnatal Care* / statistics & numerical data
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Surveys and Questionnaires