Change in attitude of ASHAs towards persons with mental illnesses following participation in community based rehabilitation project

Abstract

Background: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play an important role in health care in rural India.

Aim: To study the change in attitude of ASHAs towards persons with mental illness (PMI) after involvement in a community-based rehabilitation program.

Methods: ASHAs (n = 95) were trained to identify and refer PMI. Community Attitudes to Mental Illness scale was administered at baseline and after 18 months of training.

Results: Domains of benevolence, social restrictiveness, and community mental health ideology showed significant improvement p < 0.001. There was no change in authoritarianism domain.

Conclusion: Engaging ASHAs in identification, referral and treatment positively changes their attitudes towards PMI.

Keywords: ASHAs; Attitudes; Community health workers; Mental illness; Rural community.