International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health
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Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Bhaven C. Kataria
ISSN: 2394-6032 (Print):2394-6040 (Online)
Frequency: Quarterly
Language: English
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://www.ijcmph.com/
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Browsing International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health by Subject "Accredited social health activist"
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Item Effectiveness of intervention by accredited social health activists in the control of hypertension and diabetes in a rural population of Kolar district, Karnataka(Medip Academy, 2019-04) Surekha, A.; Fathima, Farah N.; Agrawal, Twinkle; Suguna, A.; Misquith, DominicBackground: Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of death globally, of which cardiovascular diseases are the most common. Cost-effective strategies, such as task shifting, are needed to mitigate the rising epidemic by controlling hypertension and diabetes in our country.Methods: This was a non-randomized interventional study undertaken in six (3 intervention and 3 control) villages of Lakkur primary health centre (PHC) area under Malur taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka, from November 2013 to April 2015. After obtaining written informed consent, baseline survey was done among 180 diabetics and hypertensives (adults>30 years). In the intervention villages, ASHAs who were trained did the intervention for 6 months. In non-intervention villages, standard usual care was given and repeat survey was done after 6 months to re-measure.Results: This study demonstrated that there was an increase of 44.8% in the proportion of hypertensives whose blood pressure was under control and increase of 26.5% in the proportion of diabetics whose blood sugar was under control in villages that received household visits by trained ASHAs (intervention villages). There was an increase in the medication adherence levels (29.6%) and reduction in tobacco usage (median difference of 4 times per day) among hypertensives and diabetics who are on medication in intervention villages.Conclusions: Findings from this study will provide policy makers and other stakeholders needed information to recommend scalable and cost-effective policy in respect to cardiovascular risk reduction, hypertension and diabetes control in resource-poor settings.Item Keeping up the morale of the foot soldiers of Indian public health: an appraisal of the economic aspects of ASHAs in Uttarakhand, India.(2015-10) Lavanya, Ammu; Bhargava, MadhaviBackground: Accredited social health activist (ASHA) is a voluntary community health worker and an important human resource for public health system of India. Their motivation to become a community health worker and continued efforts is a mix of monetary and non-monetary factors. Their motivation to work comes partly from desire to work for the community and prestige, but is furthered by the monetary compensation. Objectives: To study the economic status of ASHAs in Uttarakhand, and their contribution to household income and the role the monetary incentives play in their work. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Haridwar and Dehradun districts of Uttarakhand. Eighty one ASHAs were interviewed using pre-piloted semi-structured questionnaire. Their economic status was assessed using Modified BG Prasad Classification. Results: Majority of the ASHAs belonged to class 4 according to modified B G Prasad Classification. Mean monthly earning as ASHA was 1335 rupees (SD: 748) and the mean contribution to the total household income was 28%. Financial incentive was an important motivating factor with associated concerns about delay in payments. About 75% felt that the amount was inadequate considering the time and effort involved. Conclusions: There is need to review the financial and non-financial incentives with due consideration to inflation and consumer price index.Item A study on knowledge and practice in maternal health care by accredited social health activists of Vijyapaura district, Karnataka, India(Medip Academy, 2020-03) Motappa, Rohith; Angadi, MahabaleshwarBackground: One of the key components of national rural health mission was to create a band of female health volunteers, appropriately named “accredited social health activist” (ASHA) in each village within the identified States to act as a bridge between the rural people and health services outlets. They act as health activists in community who will create awareness on health and its determinants, counsel mothers on key healthy behaviors and mobilize the community towards local health planning and increased utilization and accountability of the existing health services. Objectives of the study was to describe the socio-demographic profile of ASHAs working in Vijayapur district and to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, practice of ASHAs towards the maternal care.Methods: A cross-sectional study on 617 ASHAs of Vijayapur district. A pre-designed, semi- structured questionnaire was prepared in English and the interview was conducted in Kannada by explaining them questions one by one.Results: Out of 617 ASHAs interviewed, 427 (69.2%) of them told a pregnant woman should have antenatal care (ANC) visits and 413 (65.3%) ASHAs opined that a minimum of four ANC visits are required. While 542 (87.2%) ASHAs told that they should accompany pregnant woman transport to health centre during labour pains and 570 (92.8%) told that they should stay with the pregnant lady until her delivery is over. Also, it was found that knowledge of ASHAs regarding maternal care was significantly associated with age and duration of service of ASHAs.Conclusions: On the whole, knowledge of ASHAs about care during pregnancy and care of new-born was cons