Overview

AANAND project is an individual-parallel Randomised Controlled Trial that aims to compare the effects of implementing a positive-psychology intervention with the standard supervision conducted by ASHA facilitators, which is a routine part of the healthcare system, in enhancing the mental well-being of ASHAs in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing ASHA’s motivation, impact on daily service contacts, number of Healthy Activity Programme (lay-person-led psychological counseling for depression) counselling sessions, and the quality, and patient satisfaction across mental health and non-mental health services, as well as outcomes for depression in patients receiving HAP sessions by the trial ASHAs.

Rationale

In India, most programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of ASHAs have emphasized monetary incentives and non-monetary rewards like public recognition. However, there has been minimal focus on addressing burnout and poor well-being among ASHAs by enhancing their coping mechanisms for stress. AANAND attempts to bridge this gap by empowering them to cope with stress.

Progress till date

• Formatting research completed

• An intervention designed, pilot-tested, and finalised

• The main trial phase is in progress 

• Two key research outputs (manuscripts) published in peer-reviewed journals 

Partner/s

• National Health Mission, Madhya Pradesh, India

• National Health Systems Resource Centre, Government of India, India 

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India

• Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

• Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA