The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Maternal and Reproductive Care Services in Governmental Health Institutions of Dessie town, North-East Ethiopia, 2020 G.C.

Abstract

Background: The COVID 19 pandemic is causing huge stress on the health care system of all countries in the world. The impact of the pandemic is both social and economic. Pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. Being pregnant during a disease outbreak may add extra anxiety and concern for pregnant women and for those who provide care for them [1, 2]. During the initial stages of the pandemic, it appeared Africa would be spared the burden of COVID-19. However, by April 7th, a total of 45 countries within the WHO African region had reported over 7000 cases (although some place it at over 10 000), with at least 292 deaths and 612 people recovered. Ethiopia, being one of the developing countries trying to address the diverse needs of its people, is currently at the verge of the epidemic [5, 7]. Objectives: The general objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on maternal and reproductive health care services among mothers getting service in governmental health institutions of Dessie town, 2020 G.C. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study design using mixed (quantitative supplemented with qualitative) method was employed to identify the impact of COVID-19 infection on maternal and reproductive health care services among women who get service in governmental health institutions of Dessie town. The study was conducted from July 1-15 / 2020. Result: According to this study, Six percent (6%) of antenatal care attendees, 18% of delivery care attendees and nearly half (46.7%) of postnatal care attendees reported inappropriate service delivery due to fear of health care providers, shortage medical supplies and staff work load. The study also showed that utilization of these services was decreased due to fear of clients to go to health institutions. Conclusion and recommendation : This study concluded that COVID-19 significantly affects the quality and utilization of maternal and reproductive health care services. The study also showed that utilization of these services was decreased due to fear of clients to go to health institutions. Ministry of health should continue maternity and reproductive health care services such as family planning to be prioritized as an essential core health service.

Global changes in maternity care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In high income settings fear of birthing alone has been identified as a driver of increased planned home births, in lower resource settings without skilled attendance provision in the community and robust transfer pathways, this could potentially increase unattended birth. In Dessie region in Ethiopia, for example, 393% of women giving birth reported that their carers and attendants were not permitted to enter the hospital with them for the birth [83].…”

Early postnatal discharge during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

“…34–36 On top of this, it is ambitious to think these women will come back to health facilities for a postnatal visit or to get treatment for illnesses during this COVID-19 emergency when maternal health service utilization has deteriorated. 37–39…”

“…[34][35][36] On top of this, it is ambitious to think these women will come back to health facilities for a postnatal visit or to get treatment for illnesses during this COVID-19 emergency when maternal health service utilization has deteriorated. [37][38][39] On the other way, early postnatal discharge of women who are relatively health and at low risk for complication is good to reduce contracting of COVID-19 at health facilities. 40 However, this can be effective only if done with a clear risk assessment before discharging and careful counseling of the women is done.…”

Economic burden of out-of-pocket expenditure, productivity cost during pregnancy and COVID-19 impact on household economy in a cohort of pregnant women in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka; A study protocol

“…25 Besides, evidence suggests that productivity loss/cost is higher during pregnancy due to maternal ill-health conditions, 19 affecting income-generating activities and routine household works. [11][12][13][14][15][16] In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak, which is an unexpected change in the global and national landscape on daily wellbeing, 26,27 affects both social and economic, affecting households directly or indirectly. 26 Few significant concerns are that the pandemic affects the household economy and disrupts health-service delivery, including newborn and maternal health services, particularly in resource-limited and lower-income countries.…”

“…[11][12][13][14][15][16] In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak, which is an unexpected change in the global and national landscape on daily wellbeing, 26,27 affects both social and economic, affecting households directly or indirectly. 26 Few significant concerns are that the pandemic affects the household economy and disrupts health-service delivery, including newborn and maternal health services, particularly in resource-limited and lower-income countries. 27 Unavailability of accessible or affordable health services during the pandemic may create low accessibility for pregnant women in lower-income groups.…”