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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Research

What do Accredited Social Health Activists need to provide comprehensive care that incorporates non-communicable diseases? Findings from a qualitative study in Andhra Pradesh, India

Authors: Marwa Abdel-All, Seye Abimbola, D. Praveen, Rohina Joshi

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

The Indian National Program for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Cancer and Stroke (NPCDCS) was introduced to provide non-communicable disease (NCD) care through primary healthcare teams including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Since ASHAs are being deployed to provide NCD care on top of their regular work for the first time, there is a need to understand the current capacity and challenges faced by them.

Methods

A desktop review of NPCDCS and ASHA policy documents was conducted. This was followed by group discussions with ASHAs, in-depth interviews with their supervisors and medical officers and group discussions with community members in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. The multi-stakeholder data were analysed for themes related to needs, capacity, and challenges of ASHAs in providing NCD services.

Results

This study identified three key themes—first, ASHAs are unrecognised as part of the formal NPCDCS service delivery team. Second, they are overburdened, since they deliver several NPCDCS activities without receiving training or remuneration. Third, they aspire to be formally recognised as employees of the health system. However, ASHAs are enthusiastic about the services they provide and remain an essential link between the health system and the community.

Conclusion

ASHAs play a key role in providing comprehensive and culturally appropriate care to communities; however, they are unrecognised and overburdened and aspire to be part of the health system. ASHAs have the potential to deliver a broad range of services, if supported by the health system appropriately.

Trial registration

The study was registered with “Clinical Trials Registry – India” (identifier CTRI/2018/03/012425).

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Title: What do Accredited Social Health Activists need to provide comprehensive care that incorporates non-communicable diseases? Findings from a qualitative study in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Marwa Abdel-All
Seye Abimbola
D. Praveen
Rohina Joshi
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-019-0418-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

What do Accredited Social Health Activists need to provide comprehensive care that incorporates non-communicable diseases? Findings from a qualitative study in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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