Evaluation of knowledge of ASHA regarding family planning services provided under NRHM in Bhojipura block, District Bareilly

• Author Details:   
• Sumit Saxena
• Sonam Maheshwari
• Anju Saxena

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Background: The role of community health workers (CHWs) in healthcare delivery system is considered inevitable to meet the millennium development goals. One of the key components of ASHAs services are the primary community-based contacts for distribution of contraception & counseling for family planning. Family planning is the most effective individual intervention to reduce pregnancy-related mortality in India.
Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Bhojipura Block, district Bareilly among ASHA workers recruited under NRHM. Total 48 villages ASHAs were interviewed using predesigned semi-structured questionnaire including brief socio-demographic information of ASHA along with details of their knowledge regarding family planning.
Results: About knowledge regarding family planning methods, 45 (70.3%) ASHA said that MALA D was available with them as oral contraceptive pills and 37 (57.8%) ASHA said that emergency contraceptive pills are effective only within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Majority of ASHA 47 (73.4%) didn’t know the correct method for disposal of condom.
Conclusion: The present study showed that knowledge of ASHA is good in certain areas of family planning, but improvement is needed. Family planning and correct choice of contraceptives is very essential. ASHA have to ensure the spread of information regarding all the modes of contraception available these days.

Keywords: ASHA, Knowledge, Family planning.