Background The novel coronavirus pandemic has killed millions of people globally while significantly destroying the social, economic, and political wellbeing of people. The global pandemic has negatively impacted pregnant women's access to prenatal care. The current study sought to understand the health-seeking behaviour of women who were pregnant during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Methods The “Three Delay” model theoretical framework was applied to piece together the pregnant women's health-seeking behaviour during the early stages of the pandemic through focus group discussions. The collected qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results The delays in deciding to seek care, delays in reaching healthcare facilities and delays in receiving quality healthcare services at the healthcare facility were a result of the fear of contracting the virus. These delays were occasioned by participants’ personal experiences and uncertainties about COVID-19 pandemic, compulsory quarantines, national cessation of movements, compulsory lockdowns, loss of income to many households and the influence of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Conclusion The current study found that fear of COVID-19 was a major factor that hindered access to maternal healthcare services. In this regard, there is a need to upscale awareness creation on the significance of seeking maternal health services during the pandemic to reduce the possibility of obliterating the gains made in reducing poor health-seeking behaviours among pregnant women.

Background The novel coronavirus disease continues to spread across the globe, causing anxiety and depression among healthcare workers. Objectives The current study aimed to determine the levels of anxiety and depression due to the coronavirus pandemic among healthcare workers in Kenya. Methods A total sample of 476 respondents participated. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient-Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), together with a socio-demographic questionnaire, were used. Stratified sampling was used. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package Programme for Social Science Version 23.0.0. Kruskal Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to establish the difference in levels of anxiety and depression across the socio-economic characteristics. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to establish the predictors of levels of anxiety and associations were considered significant at p<0.05. Results From the total, 35.1% (n=167) had mild anxiety, and 13.4% (n=64) had severe anxiety. Approximately 53.6% (n=255) had mild depression while 9.2% (n=44) had severe depression. The univariate analysis illustrated a statistical difference in anxiety levels in gender (p>0.002), years of work experience (p=0.005), and the cadre of respondents (p=0.0028). Gender was statistically significant with the level of depression (p=0.045). About 62.6% (n=298) of healthcare workers had been trained, and only 9% (n=43) were confident in managing COVID-19 cases. A large proportion, 98% (n=458) had concerns about the availability of personal protective equipment. Conclusion The study findings indicated that the majority of healthcare workers had mild anxiety. Female healthcare workers were more likely to experience severe anxiety and depression. Also, levels of depression differed across different cadres of respondents.

Background: Tracer essential medicines are drugs which fully fulfil a population’s health requirements and ought to be always available allowing for a properly functioning health system all the time. They should be available in the appropriate dosage, adequate amounts and at assured quality at a price that many people and the community can easily afford.Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study design was used. This study utilized a mixed method approach (qualitative, observation and quantitative).Results: The study found out that artemether lumefantrine was the least available drug at 50% in all the sampled facilities with KEMSA cited as the main supplier of tracer essential medicines in these facilities. Policy formulation was done without any involvement of pharmacy in-charges and policies passed at the county management team merely passed onto the staff at the health facilities without their engagement.Conclusions: With the roll out of UHC program, majority of the participants indicated an increase in the availability of essential drugs in Nyeri County hence the government should roll out the program countrywide. Health management and leadership teams in the county needs to engage the pharmacy in-charges during policy making and changes, provide efficient communication in the supply chain system, including proper inventory management systems and to enhance research of drugs and emerging diseases in the county.