Job satisfaction and job related challenges among ASHA workers in a rural area of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal

The efficiency of ASHA is paramount for the successful implementation of the National Health Mission (NHM) and the overall healthcare framework. This study aimed to assess the level of job satisfaction and its associated factors, as well as to identify job-related challenges among the ASHA workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 ASHA workers working in a Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC) area of South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal, using complete enumeration method. The job satisfaction was assessed using an adapted instrument, from MJS Job satisfaction questionnaire and a predesigned, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule was used to assess job-related challenges by face-to-face interview. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2023 and SPSS 25. Nearly half of the study participants (82,50.6%) were less satisfied with the job whereas, 80(49.4%) expressed satisfaction. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis receiving optimum incentive (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.60–4.26; p = 0.016) and working in the same area of residence (AOR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.19–7.47; p < 0.020) had significant association with job satisfaction. Majority of participants reported overburden of work (161,99.4%) followed by inadequate incentives (153,94.4%) as their major job challenges. Supportive measures, such as regularization of incentives, and appropriate workload distribution based on geographical and demographic needs, may help to enhance the working conditions and job satisfaction of ASHA workers.