Taiwan and Thailand have effectively responded to the COVID-19 pandemic more so than more advanced health systems. Both countries have an effective focus on primary healthcare and multi- sectoral collaboration with effective and open communication of powerful health messages. In the case of Thailand, the central role of village health volunteers has also made a significant contribution. The lessons from recent experiences need to be further evaluated to consolidate the lessons learned in anticipation of meeting continuing and future challenges.
The postnatal period is an underserved aspect of maternity care, potentially worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify postnatal care (PNC) use by health personnel within the 42 days of childbirth among postpartum mothers in Thailand. This web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2021 (n = 840). Multiple binary and ordinal logistic regressions were conducted to predict three outcome variables (≥2 times, ≥3 times, or level of PNC use). Women who received PNC were in low numbers (≥2: 30.7% and (≥3: 12.9%), while 54.4% of women reported no barriers to access PNC, and 31.9% reported barriers, including worries over COVID-19 infection, followed by movement restrictions imposed by the government (11.7%) and the closure of healthcare centers (10%). Women working in a self-employed capacity, living in urban areas, and undergoing a Caesarean section with no/less worry about COVID-19 infection were more likely to utilize postnatal care (≥2 or number of PNC). This study provides timely information, revealing that a relatively low percentage of postpartum women received PNC, particularly among the socially deprived group. Since the fear of COVID infection is listed as a major barrier, the provision of PNC services, including a telehealth program should be considered.
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