IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-6-25392 Original Research Paper Role of ASHA in enhancing Infant feeding practices among rural mothers of Uttar Pradesh Kaur Dr. Anuradha Davey Dr. June 2020 9 6 01 02 ABSTRACT

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have been recruited under NRHM as key resource personnel for awareness creation and demand generation for health. ASHAs can play a pivotal role in the promotion of breast–feeding. Objective– to find out the role of ASHAs on Infant feeding practice by mother i.e. on initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Material and methods– It is a Community based Cross–sectional study done in Parikshit–garh block of Meerut. 300 mothers who had a child 6 month to 1 year were included in the study. Results– Only 53% i.e. 130 mothers who delivered at hospital were told about the initiation of breastfeeding immediately after delivery. ASHA visited 68% of the studied population within 42 days following delivery and out of them 36% were visited for 6 or more than 6 times as recommended and half of them i.e. 53% were advised exclusive breastfeeding for their newborn upto 6 months age. In this study 31% of mother received information regarding complementary from the ASHA. Feeding practices by mothers had significant association with number of ASHA visits. Conclusion– This study conducted that emphasize should be given on monitoring of ASHA visits and their capacity building to disseminate correct knowledge so as they can work as a behavior change agent at the community level.