Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs in improving the knowledge about disaster management among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Mysuru, India.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 ASHAs of 3 Primary Health Centers in Mysuru district. A 3-h disaster management training and workshop followed by a mock-drill was organized in each center. Knowledge about disaster preparedness and management was assessed before and 1 mo after the intervention using a questionnaire by interview method. The data obtained were entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using licensed SPSS 22 software.
Results: The mean score obtained by the ASHAs in pretraining assessment was 37.2 ± 10.4. Improvement was evident in the knowledge and preparedness of ASHAs 1 mo after the training, which showed a mean score of 90.14 ± 5.05. This change in score was statistically significant with a P-value < 0.001 on performing a paired t-test.
Conclusion: Training programs with mock drills and hands-on activities are effective in improving the knowledge of frontline health workers about disaster management. We recommend such training to be organized in all public health facilities.
Keywords: accredited social health activists; disaster management; disaster preparedness.