Exploring the Factors Affecting the Work-Life Balance of ASHA's Health Workers and their Impact on Performance in Rural Uttarakhand.
Dr. Nivedita Pandey
Assistant Professor
Apex University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
ABSTRACT:
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers who play a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services and promoting public health in rural areas of India. However, they often face challenges related to their workload, working conditions, and inadequate support systems that can impact their work-life balance, job satisfaction, and ultimately, their performance. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the work-life balance of ASHA workers and their impact on performance in rural Uttarakhand.
A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect data from 300 ASHA workers in rural Uttarakhand. The study found that ASHA workers faced multiple challenges, including long working hours, low pay, inadequate training, lack of basic facilities, and insufficient support systems. These factors had a significant impact on their work-life balance, job satisfaction, and performance. Regression analysis revealed that work-life balance had a significant positive effect on job satisfaction and a negative effect on burnout and turnover intention among ASHA workers.
Furthermore, the study found that ASHA workers used various coping strategies to manage their work and personal life demands, including social support from family and friends, self-care practices, and prioritizing work tasks. The study recommends the need for the government to implement policies to improve the working conditions and support systems for ASHA workers in rural areas, including adequate remuneration, training programs, basic facilities, and social support networks. These improvements are essential to enhance the work-life balance, job satisfaction, and performance of ASHA workers in rural Uttarakhand.
In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the critical role played by ASHA workers in rural healthcare delivery in India and the need to address the challenges they face to improve their work-life balance and performance. The study's recommendations can guide policymakers and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies for supporting ASHA workers in rural areas, ultimately leading to improved healthcare services and public health outcomes.
