Challenges Faced by ASHAs during their Field Works: A Cross Sectional Observational Study in Rural Area of Jaipur, Rajasthan

Introduction: ASHA, the grass root level worker is a bridge between population and health system. Objectives: To determine the challenges and hurdles faced by ASHA during their field work in rural area of district Jaipur, Rajasthan. Methods and Materials: A field based descriptive, observational study was conducted among 135 ASHA’s of ten PHC’s of two blocks of Jaipur, Rajasthan from September 2018 to April 2019 by using a pretested, semi structured questionnaire for socio-economic profile of ASHA and in-depth interview to find out challenges faced by ASHAs during their field work. Results: Majority of ASHA’s (67%) were in the age group of 25-35 yrs, there were six (4%) young ASHAs who were 25 yrs of age. Majorities ASHA were studied up to secondary (32%) and higher secondary (28%), around 20% were only eighth passed (i.e. minimum education criteria) and (few) seven percentages were graduated. Majorities (84%) of ASHA were satisfied with their work but experience few challenges in field work however 15% ASHA are totally satisfied with their job and found none challenges in field work. Conclusion: Multiple inter related factors affects work performance of ASHAs in field. Financial incentives, self-identity and working for society were motivation for joining this profession. However, delayed and inadequate payment, overburden of work, poor transport and conflict between ICDS and Health staff were common challenges.