Original Article TITLE: BASIC HEALTH EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF URBAN HEALTH TRAINING CENTRE OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA

Basic health evaluation of CHWs

Abstract

 Introduction:

Community Health Workers are the primary field-level frontline workers who come into direct contact with the population. They provide promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare services to their own Community and are vital to improving access to primary health care. ^(1,2)

  It is necessary to evaluate the general health status of CHWs to improve their efficiency in providing basic healthcare services to society and make necessary changes in the future ⁽³⁾

Aim & Objectives:

1.Basic health evaluation of CHWs in field practice area of UHTC of a Medical       

   College in Western Maharashtra.

 Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was done using convenience sampling.  Data was collected in all CHWs in  field practice area of UHTC of a Medical College in Western Maharashtra. Sample size was 49.The current health – status of  CHWs  was assessed by a  pre-tested, structured questionnaire and basic health investigations were done.

 Data analysis was done using MS excel.

 Results : Out of total 49 CHWs, 34.69% belonged to age group  of 36-40 years,40.81% completed high school. The general health status of  CHWs was good. 67.34% had haemoglobin above 11gm%. 53.1% of CHWs had a high BMI. 18.36 % suffered from Hypertension and 6.12 % had Diabetes Mellitus. Despite knowing positive benefits of PAP smear, only 8% had undergone screening for Cervical Cancer, which shows hesitancy .

 Conclusion: The study shows, there is a need to educate the CHWs about Chronic diseases and benefits of regular screening and exercise.