Knowledge Assessment on High-Risk Pregnancies Among ASHA Workers in Magadi Taluk: An Interventional Study

Abstract Background The Government of India, under the umbrella program National Rural Health Mission (now known as the National Health Mission), introduced a cadre of community health workers known as ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) to serve as a vital link between the community and the public health system. The objective of this study was to assess the existing knowledge of ASHA workers and evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness program in improving their understanding of high-risk pregnancies. Methods An interventional study was conducted in selected Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Subcentres of Magadi Taluk, Karnataka, India, using an educational approach that included videos and facilitated discussions. The study employed a complete enumeration method. Of the 159 ASHA workers in the area, 110 participated in the quantitative component of the study. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to assess the improvement in knowledge related to high-risk pregnancies. Results The study revealed that the knowledge of the ASHA workers on high-risk pregnancy after intervention was considerably high when compared to pre-intervention phase. Improvement was observed in the indicators such as full-term pregnancy duration 37–42-week (pre-intervention-87.3%, post-intervention-90.0%), minimum number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (pre-intervention-64.5%, post-intervention-90.0%) and haemoglobin cut-off level for diagnosing anaemia (pre-intervention-38.2%, post- intervention-81,8%) responding accurately. Intervention showed misconceptions regarding miscarriage decreased (pre-intervention-91.8%, post-intervention-24.5%), while knowledge about HIV transmission risks (pre-intervention-75.5%, post- intervention-89.0%), importance of referral services for managing high-risk pregnancies increased (pre-intervention-52.7%, post-intervention-61.8%). Participants showed better understanding of complications such as antepartum haemorrhage, severe eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and gestational diabetes, knowledge about the recommended conception gap after two C-sections and the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy improved. Conclusions The overall knowledge of ASHA workers regarding high-risk pregnancies boosted after intervention. However further research is needed to delve deeper into interventions of holistic effects on maternal and foetal health outcomes to ensure sustained improvements in Maternal and Child Health.