Effectiveness of Mental Health Training Program on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of ASHA workers of selected rural areas of Jabalpur: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction and background: One of the major challenges of successful integration of mental health into Primary
health care is the lack of adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and skills for mental health service of community
health professionals like ASHA participating in the care and treatment of people at primary health care levels.
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) may play a significant role in the early identification of mental health
issues and in enhancing community health status.
Objective- The objective of the study was to assess effectiveness of mental health training program on knowledge,
attitude and practices of ASHA workers of selected rural areas of Jabalpur.
Methodology- A quasi experimental pre-test post-test control group design was used to collect data from
22 ASHA workers who were selected using non probability purposive sampling technique. The Mental health
training program was administered to experimental group for two days. Pre and Post Test knowledge, attitude
and Practice was assessed using a structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude assessment scale and self-reported
practice assessment scale respectively. The gathered pilot study data was analysed using descriptive and inferential
statistics.Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and Practice of ASHA workers
after intervention.Conclusion: The findings of the pilot study revealed no ambiguity and the tools were feasible to conduct the main
study.