Knowledge and Skills of Anganwadi Workers in Hooghly District, West Bengal

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge and skills of Anganwadi workers. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Hooghly District West Bengal. Participants: Anganwadi workers. Sampling: Multistage sampling. A sample of 34 was taken up. Method: Interview and on-job observation. Results: 11.8% Anganwadi workers could define fever 17.6% knew the age group for exclusive breast feeding and 32.4% knew the eligibility criteria for iron prophylaxis in children. No Anganwadi worker weighed a child twice to take the average and none recorded the weights in growth charts. No Anganwadi worker properly counted the beneficiaries for supplementary nutrition. Only 25% weigh ‘corn soya blend’ and 20% got the utensils cleaned by acceptable water. Though the knowledge of Anganwadi workers regarding other major activities is mostly adequate their knowledge and skills in many key areas need improvement. (authors)