Quality assessment of homebased postnatal care services provided by ASHA in Banda district, Bundelkhand region

Abstract

Background: Home-based postnatal care (PNC) is vital for maternal recovery and newborn health, aiding early development and preventing complications. The WHO highlights the importance of timely PNC, including health checks, breastfeeding support, immunization, and family planning. In rural India, particularly Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, PNC usage remains low due to cultural, infrastructural, and financial challenges. Government schemes like NHM, JSY, and HBNC, with ASHA support, aim to improve access. This study assesses PNC accessibility and effectiveness, highlighting the need for strengthened service delivery. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of homebased postnatal care services provided by ASHA in Banda district. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, from June 2023 to December 2024, among 300 postpartum women aged 18–45. Using NFHS-5 data, Mahuva Block was randomly selected. Data were collected via home visits using a semi-structured questionnaire. Eligible, consenting women were included; critically ill or unwilling participants were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The study found most participants (84.33%) were aged 21–30 and predominantly Hindu (97.33%). Education varied, and decision-making was mostly patriarchal. Most lived in joint, lower-middle-class families. While 73% delivered at PHCs/Sub-centres, only 27.66% completed all PNC visits. ASHAs played key roles, but awareness gaps remained. Conclusion: The majority of beneficiaries were young women, primarily from Hindu joint families with modest socioeconomic backgrounds. Most gave birth at government health facilities, yet few completed all recommended postnatal care visits. While ASHA workers played a vital role in providing newborn care guidance, important areas like hand hygiene and health assessments were often overlooked.