Effectiveness of an awareness programme on exclusive breastfeeding for the ASHA workers of Udupi District

The basic food for infant feeding is milk. Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed the child. It offers nutrients and energy which are essential for the requirement during the first 6 months and it continuous to provide up to the 2 year of age. At the community level ASHA workers play vital role for the effective implementation MCH services at the grass root level. Their knowledge and skills on educating mothers on breastfeeding can prevent malnutrition among children. The study Objectives were to assess the knowledge of ASHA workers on exclusive breastfeeding, determine the effectiveness of an awareness programme on Knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding and to find the association between level of knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding and selected variables. Methodology: One group pretest posttest test design was adopted to achieve the objectives. The 86 ASHA workers were selected by purposive sampling techniques from four PHCs and 2 CHCs of Udupi taluk, Karnataka. After obtaining consent from study participants Knowledge questionnaire was administered and Awareness progamme was implemented in selected PHCs and CHCs. The posttest was conducted after 7 days. Results: About 66.6% of them were in the age group of 31-50 years, 64% of them had more than 5 years of Experience and 77% of ASHA workers reported they have undergone training on MCH service activities. In pretest mean knowledge score was 13. 6 and 17.4 during the posttest which shows there was a significant improvement in the knowledge score. Conclusion: The ASHA workers are having knowledge on the exclusive breastfeeding and need reinforcement which will help them in updating their knowledge and skills on feeding practices.