Unseen efforts, untold stress: Associations of workload and mental health among ASHA workers in rural West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Health workers face continuous emotional pressure. The ASHA workers are not exempt from this and have to face high work-related stress while serving the community, and this can influence their mental health. The aim of this study is to assess the association of work nature, work-related physical strain, and psychological stress on the health status of ASHA workers in rural areas of West Bengal. Method: In this study, a total of 200 ASHA workers were initially approached, and 180 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis from the Kultali Block in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Parameters such as BMI, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured. Psychological stress was assessed using the DASS-42 questionnaire, and insomnia was checked by the Insomnia Severity Index(ISI) questionnaire. Results: Depression, anxiety, and stress were found to be moderately high to severely high in most participants. Severe anxiety was found to be present in 67.2% of the participants, while stress was moderate in more than 50% of them. Conclusion: ASHA workers suffer not only physically but emotionally as well, and hence, there is a dire need to give special attention to their psychological health.