Zusammenfassung

BACKGROUND ASHAs are the first port of call for any health related demands of the local community, especially women and childrenwho find it difficult to access health services; hence it is imperative to assess their knowledge regarding reproductive and child health (RCH) and factors influencing their knowledge. METHODS A cross-sectional study (Pre/Post-test study design) was conducted on ASHAs working in Singur block of West Bengal to determine their knowledge regarding specific pre-defined topics related to RCH services, to assess the effect of health education on their baseline knowledge and to study the association between their level of education and knowledge regarding RCH services. RESULTS The mean age of the sample was 34.42 years (S.D: ±2.91). About 27%, 35% and 39% of the ASHAs have completed secondary, higher secondary and graduate level of education, respectively. The mean baseline score was 9.65 (maximum-27) which improved to 21.21 following health education and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). A statistically significant difference in pre-test (p=003) and post-test scores (p=0.012) was observed between ASHAs with secondary and graduate level of education. CONCLUSION There is deficiency in knowledge of ASHAs regarding various aspects of RCH services. Their education level has a strong positive influence not only on their knowledge levels but also on their learning ability following training sessions. The study recommends high quality refresher training at periodic intervals and strengthening of existent training programs for ASHAs.