Pregnancy and COVID-19 Pandemic Perception in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Pregnant women are susceptible to COVID-19 complications due to gestation-related physiological changes. We aimed to evaluate the level of maternal knowledge, perception, and practice during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO) between April and June 2020. A self-administered electronic questionnaire that included the knowledge and practice domains was distributed. A newly designed set of questions was used to evaluate (1) women’s perception of MCO and (2) maternal experience, which was subdivided into clinical care provision and maternal anxiety. The survey response rate was 93% with the final number for analysis of 415. The majority of women (95%) demonstrated an adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19, whilst 99% had a good practice. We found that tertiary education (p < 0.001), employment status (p = 0.03), higher household income (p < 0.001), and multiple sources of information (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of adequate maternal knowledge on COVID-19. Women with adequate knowledge also reported a more positive perception of MCO (p < 0.001) and better obstetric care experience (p = 0.037), as did those of Malay ethnicity. Younger (p < 0.001) and nulliparous (p = 0.01) women demonstrated greater anxiety levels. The majority of our women reported good practice and adequate knowledge, which contributed to a positive perception of MCO and better maternal obstetric experience. First-time mothers may benefit from extra support and reassurance during the pandemic to alleviate maternal anxiety.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Maternal Psychological Wellbeing During the Malaysian Movement Control Order: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Women's cultural background, which is influenced by race and religion; often plays a role in maternal perception, practice, and attitude toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Our previous published findings demonstrated that Malay women demonstrated a more positive attitude toward the MCO ( 22 ). A study from our neighboring country Singapore showed that pregnant Malay women were more likely to practice safe distancing and frequent hand sanitizing compared to the Chinese ( 47 ).…”

“…Socio-demographics and clinical data were included in the data collection. We also evaluated the maternal knowledge, perception, and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of this research and the relevant results had already been published ( 22 ).…”

“…Total knowledge score ranged from 0 to 9. Participants' overall knowledge was categorized as adequate if the score was more than 50% ( 22 ). The association between maternal knowledge and psychological distress, maternal wellbeing, perceived MCO effect, and COVID-19 related anxiety was evaluated in this study.…”

Maternal Mental Health following Ultrasonographic Detection of Fetal Structural Anomaly in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Likewise, similar difficulties in prenatal care happen in Malaysia [27]. It has been reported that 22.4% of pregnant women perceived that their antenatal appointments were affected, 34.7% felt anxious when their spouse was not allowed to accompany during antenatal visit, 20.7% were worried about having to give birth during the lockdown, 23.6% received unclear advice on where to deliver, and 19.8% felt worried that their spouse cannot accompany them during childbirth [27].…”

“…Ilska et al (2021) highlighted that the pandemic disrupted obstetric appointments such as the regularity of appointments, availability of medical care in obstetric-related emergent situations, and involvement in antenatal classes [26]. Likewise, similar difficulties in prenatal care happen in Malaysia [27]. It has been reported that 22.4% of pregnant women perceived that their antenatal appointments were affected, 34.7% felt anxious when their spouse was not allowed to accompany during antenatal visit, 20.7% were worried about having to give birth during the lockdown, 23.6% received unclear advice on where to deliver, and 19.8% felt worried that their spouse cannot accompany them during childbirth [27].…”