Assessment of knowledge, attitude and skills of lady health workers

ABSTRACT

Government of Pakistan launched National Program for Family Planning and Primary Health Care in 1994. Lady Health Worker has a key role in providing these services. This study was designed to assess the quality of these services. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted at District Kohat, Pakistan, in July 2005. Lady Health Workers with a job experience of more than 24 months were interviewed to assess their knowledge, attitude and skills, in terms of variables according to their job description. These variables included home visits, antenatal care, family planning, newborn care, vaccination, growth monitoring, common diseases, medicines and referrals. Fifty lady health workers were interviewed. Knowledge of lady health workers was above 36%, attitude score above 88% and skill assessment score above 86%. Sixty four percent lady health workers had established their health houses. Seven lady health workers showed non-satisfactory results with poor health house management. Much improvement in skills was required in the use of contraceptives. There was poor display of knowledge regarding vaccination schedule and insufficient knowledge 36% for the doses of common medicines. This study opened a window to peep through deficiencies of health system. It showed that most of the LHWs had optimum knowledge and an optimistic attitude. Deficiencies were seen in vaccination and contraception. It is recommended to arrange workshops and courses for LHWs on regular basis to refresh their knowledge