Abstract:
The discourse on the ASHA’s role centres around three typologies - ASHA as an activist, ASHA as a
link worker or facilitator, and ASHA as a community level health care provider. She will counsel
women on birth preparedness, importance of safe delivery, breastfeeding and complementary feeding,
immunization, contraception and prevention of common infections including Reproductive Tract
Infection/Sexually Transmitted Infection (RTIs/STIs) and care of the young child. A cross sectional
study was done on 132 ASHA workers selected from 5 random PHCs in Bijapur taluk. Data was
collected in a prestructured proforma using interview technique from June to October, 2012. Most of the
ASHA workers were not aware about the newer roles and responsibilities been implied on them under
various national programmes including the immunization guidelines and schedule. All the ASHA
workers were aware about the performance based incentive for the their work in the community and its
their right to claim that incentive. Under the cascade model of training to the ASHA, trainings should
provide complete knowledge and skills to the trainees within the stipulated time.
