Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Fall 9-29-2021
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The present paper is based on a survey method while attempts have been made to assess the knowledge of the Anganwadi workers who are working as frontline workers during the widespread COVID-19 epidemic at Gosani block of Paralakhemundi municipality, Gajapati district. For the study, structured questionnaire was distributed among the total workers i.e. 350 covering 163 Anganwadi worker centres of 16 wards of Paralakhemundi Municipality. The survey was conducted from March to April 2021 at the beginning stage of the second outbreak of COVID-19. The main purpose of the study is to understand the knowledge of Anganwadi workers with regards to the COVID-19 guidelines. In this regard, focus has been made to analyse knowledge on the four general aspects of COVID-19 including stress level of Anganwadi workers because stress management during this pandemic is essential. Thus, analysis has been made on the use of information sources, knowledge on preventive practices, knowledge on maintaining social distance, knowledge on the use of personal protective equipments (PPE) and causes of stress to manage the situation. The study finds that social media like Whatsapp groups, mobile messages are the principal sources of information for them. The workers have clear knowledge on preventive measures such as hand sanitisation, maintenance of social distance and use of personal protective equipments (PPE). The job is stressful for the workers due to the less educated rural people, their carelessness towards the disease, hiding of the symptoms by the individuals and work overload.