A study to assess the knowledge and skills of accredited social health activists in home based newborn care

Background: Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) is a community-based approach adopted by the Government of India (GoI) to decrease the neonatal and maternal mortality rate through a series of home visits provided by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Therefore, ASHAs adequate knowledge and skills regarding HBNC are crucial to bring positive health outcomes. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of ASHAs in HBNC and the challenges faced during its implementation. Methods: A study was conducted in CHC Mendhasala of Khordha District from October 2021 to March 2022. ASHAs trained for HBNC, having HBNC visits during the research period, and willing to participate in the study were included in the sampling frame. Consecutively 50 ASHAs were taken for conducting the study in CHC Mendhasala. Participants were assessed for knowledge regarding HBNC and the problems faced during its implementation. Skills were observed during the scheduled day of home visits. Results: Eighty-two percent of ASHAs had an average level of knowledge regarding HBNC. Domain-wise ASHAs had good knowledge of the HBNC concept, breastfeeding, immunization, and family planning while less knowledge of high-risk newborns and referral services. The majority of ASHAs had performed newborn care and examined the mother during home visits. Personal, social, and administrative challenges affect the implementation of HBNC services. Conclusions: The majority of ASHAs had good knowledge and skills regarding HBNC but need to strengthen more on high-risk newborn and referral services domains. Besides this ASHAs face several challenges while implementing HBNC services.