Keeping up the morale of the foot soldiers of Indian public health: an appraisal of the economic aspects of ASHAs in Uttarakhand, India.
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Date
2015-10
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Abstract
Background: 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.
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Accredited social health activist, Economic, Incentive, Motivation
Citation
Lavanya Ammu, Bhargava Madhavi. Keeping up the morale of the foot soldiers of Indian public health: an appraisal of the economic aspects of ASHAs in Uttarakhand, India. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. 2015 Oct-Dec; 2(4): 494-500.