Knowledge & practices of ASHA functionaries in active case detection of leprosy ,Lucknow Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: : Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) is first of it’s kind initiative taken by Govt. of India for early detection and treatment of Leprosy cases in the community. ASHA functionaries are involved in this campaign to make it successful. LCDC campaign is primarily a door to door search with physical examination & identification of suspects followed by confirmation of diagnosis by Medical officer and free of cost treatment for positive cases. Material & Methods: This was the community based observational study. In this study total 19 ASHA functionaries were involved from two randomly selected Sub-centers   Ataria & Kunwarpur out of six Sub-centers attached with Rural Health Training Center Ataria, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh under department of community medicine of Hind Institute of Medical Sciences Sitapur. All ASHA functionaries were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire & observed by faculty of department of community medicine during LCDC activity. Results: None of ASHA functionary correctly knew exact cause of leprosy. Only 10% knew mode of transmission, 26% knew complications and 19% knew method of complications prevention. However, most of them knew sign & symptoms (90%) and free of cost availability of treatment in Govt. health centers. During LCDC activity 53% ASHAs were correctly marking the house.90 % ASHA knew their responsibility regarding leprosy case search & treatment. Only 37% knew exact amount of incentives they would get for leprosy case search & treatment. Only 58% ASHA attended the orientation training. Out of them only 27% completed the practical exercises and none of them got IEC material. None of ASHA informed the community before or after starting LCDC activity and same was true for distribution of IEC( Information Education & Communication) material. Only 16% ASHA were working in field from the onset of LCDC activity. Only 53% ASHA correctly filled the tally sheets. 74% ASHA could achieve given target for house to house search. Conclusion –Training quality, organization of IEC activities & supportive supervision are the areas where improvement is needed. [Saxena P Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(6):38-42]