Shukla P, Priya H, Meena JK, Singh S, Bairwa M, Saini A. Readiness and Motivation of ASHAs towards Their Participation in Non-Communicable Disease Control Programmein North India:A Cross Sectional Study.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023;
24:3235-3241. [PMID:
37774077 PMCID:
PMC10762770 DOI:
10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.9.3235]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activist)role is evolving beyond maternal and child health workers. They are engaged in NCD (Non-communicable Diseases)control activities. This study investigated their preparedness for this new task.The aim of the study was to assess the preparedness (knowledge, attitude, practices & patient navigation) of ASHAs in delivering community-based NCD prevention and control services under NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke)program. And the study also assessed the challenges faced by ASHAs in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities towards common NCDs.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Cross sectional descriptive conducted in Delhi.
METHOD
Total 464 ASHAs randomly selected from 54 Primary Health Centres from 3 districts of Delhi. A self-administered, pre-tested, validated and piloted semi structured questionnaire was filled by enrolled ASHAs. It assessed their knowledge, attitude and practices related to NCD screening.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
descriptive statistics, chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used.
RESULTS
Two-third ASHAs had moderate to good knowledge about NCDs. They had positive inclination towards NCD screening and risk mitigation. Their practices for hypertension and diabetes screening were adequate but common cancer screening practices were inadequate. Challenges encountered in performing these tasks were lack of appropriate referral linkages, minimal supportive supervision and no ear marked incentives.
CONCLUSIONS
ASHAs showed willingness to work for NCD control provided they have optimum training, supportive supervision from their superiors, and screening facilities in functional state and appropriate incentives for the new tasks.
Collapse