Abstract: Context: Acceptance of ASHA in a community determines health status of a community. Tribal women in the age group of 18 to 49 years are the main target population for ASHA. Hence assessment of perceptions of these women is of utmost importance.
Aim: To evaluate the work of ASHA among women of age group 18-49 years in field practice area of teaching institute.
Settings and Design: A cross sectional study in tribal village of Maharashtra. Total sample size was 57. Women in the 18-49 years of age group are selected randomly after systematic sampling.
Methods and Material: A predesigned – pretested interview schedule was used to record the information after taking informed consent.
Statistical analysis used: Quantitative analysis was done using the proportions and chi square test used for comparison.
Results: It was found that 77% of respondents reported that ASHA was acting as a representative of their needs in health system. 52% of respondents reported that ASHA visit is not a welcome gesture during postnatal period as it is against their culture. 77% of respondents were satisfied with overall ASHA services. 90% of respondents percieve that ASHA is not knowledgeable to get any treatment for fever or growth and development assessment.
Conclusions: ASHA is trusted person for most of services but when it comes to seeking solutions for health problems people are very apprehensive. It will be hurdle for community mobilization for health improvement. Hence it need to be addressed on urgent basis by imparting some medical knowledge to ASHA and giving some cerifications.
