Publication:

Awareness of family planning services among ASHA workers in a municipality of northern Kerala

Background Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is one of the key components of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).The success of national health programs on family planning depends on how well ASHAs are trained and perform. Therefore it’s essential to assess the knowledge of ASHA workers. This study intends to assess the awareness of family planning services among ASHA workers in a municipality of northern Kerala.

Methods This is a cross sectional study conducted among ASHA workers working in a municipality in Kannur District, during a study period of two weeks (July 1- July14, 2017). Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software and the results were expressed in terms of means, frequencies and percentage.

Results Majority (42.1%) of the ASHAs belongs to the age group of 42- 45 years and none of them were below 30 years. The mean population catered by ASHA workers were 1250. All of them were experienced for at least 7 years.

Conclusions All ASHA workers had satisfactory knowledge about family planning services. Despite this some of the ASHA workers don’t have adequate knowledge about ECPs, Progesterone only pills and non-contraceptive uses of condom. Hence it is essential to ensure that they are getting proper training from qualified personnel at regular intervals.