ABSTRACT

The purpose of current study is to determine the competencies of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) regarding Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR), in terms of their knowledge and skills in delivering them. The study employed a cross-sectional design done on 95 ASHAs of a populous district of Gujarat, India. A Competency Assessment Tool having two parts, viz., Structured Knowledge Questionnaire and an Observational Checklist, were used for data collection. The study results found that only 1.1% of the participants had received more than 4 rounds of training regarding BPCR during their entire years of experience. Additionally, 28.42% had adequately good levels of knowledge whereas a huge segment 69.47% had a moderately satisfactory level of knowledge regarding BPCR. A major portion of the participant, 84.21% demonstrated poor skills in delivering BPCR. A positive correlation existed between the knowledge and skill scores of the participants. Although a notable majority of ASHAs demonstrated some understanding regarding BPCR, however their ability to translate this knowledge into effective skills remained severely lacking. This highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions at district and facility levels which could improve their practical skills regarding Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness. The study highlights potential areas for the capacity-building training, emphasizing the need of proactive health measures in reducing the mortality and morbidity in expectant population, especially of a low- resource setting. Keywords: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness, Accredited Social Health Activist, Knowledge, Skill, Competency
Publication date: 15/03/2025

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/March/MS_IJBPAS_2025_MARCH_SPCL_1070.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.3.1070