Publication:

A study to evaluate the knowledge of postnatal care among accredited social health activist workers in North Indian rural area

Background ASHA (accredited social health activist) are the grass root level workers. Hence it is essential to study if they have adequate knowledge for delivering maternal health care services to community. The aim was to evaluate the knowledge of postnatal care among ASHA workers in North Indian rural area.

Methods This study was conducted at Basohli block of Kathua district from December 2019 to December 2020. Information was collected from ASHAs by interview technique.

Results 83.70% of ASHAs believed that colostrum should be given to newborn. 88.04% agreed for exclusive breast feeding for 6 months. 61.96% were in favor of more than 3 postnatal visits within 42 days of delivery. Many of them were aware of dangerous sign of postnatal mother and newborn. They were ignorant of postnatal exercises. All the ASHA were aware of purpose of immunization but only 21 knew the immunization schedule completely. All were aware of most of the available family planning methods that can be used by postnatal women.

Conclusions It is evident from the present study that ASHA workers have good knowledge of maximum aspects of postnatal care. Further training of the ASHA should be skill based and efforts should be made to remove the obstacles they are facing.