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Johnson NL, Brann M, Scott SF, Bute JJ. "I'm Not Comfortable With COVID, But …": Dilemmas and Decision-Making to Mitigate Risks Among Mothers Who Gave Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:517-527. [PMID: 38073522 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231217594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Individuals have faced unprecedented uncertainty and risk surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and decision-making dilemmas have been complicated by quickly evolving and often contradictory recommendations for staying healthy. Using tenets of problematic integration theory and risk orders theory, we analyzed interview data from 50 mothers who gave birth during the pandemic to understand how uncertainty and risk perceptions shaped their decision-making about keeping themselves and their infants healthy in the first year after birth. Results describe how some mothers in our sample made sense of their decision-making to prioritize first-order risks to their own and their family's physical health, and other mothers prioritized second-order risks to their relationships and identities. We also discuss the social nature of mitigating risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and the catalysts for shifting risk perceptions. Theoretical and practical implications include improving public health messaging and clinical conversations to enable individuals to effectively manage social and identity needs alongside serious threats to physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Johnson
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Maria Brann
- Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Susanna F Scott
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jennifer J Bute
- Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Tan A, Blair A, Homer CS, Digby R, Vogel JP, Bucknall T. Pregnant and postpartum women's experiences of the indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in high-income countries: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:262. [PMID: 38605319 PMCID: PMC11007880 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06439-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant and postpartum women's experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the emotional and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on perinatal health, has been well-documented across high-income countries. Increased anxiety and fear, isolation, as well as a disrupted pregnancy and postnatal period are widely described in many studies. The aim of this study was to explore, describe and synthesise studies that addressed the experiences of pregnant and postpartum women in high-income countries during the first two years of the pandemic. METHODS A qualitative evidence synthesis of studies relating to women's experiences in high-income countries during the pandemic were included. Two reviewers extracted the data using a thematic synthesis approach and NVivo 20 software. The GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) was used to assess confidence in review findings. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies were eligible and subjected to a sampling framework to ensure data richness. In total, 36 sampled studies contributed to the development of themes, sub-themes and review findings. There were six over-arching themes: (1) dealing with public health restrictions; (2) navigating changing health policies; (3) adapting to alternative ways of receiving social support; (4) dealing with impacts on their own mental health; (5) managing the new and changing information; and (6) being resilient and optimistic. Seventeen review findings were developed under these themes with high to moderate confidence according to the GRADE-CERQual assessment. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this synthesis offer different strategies for practice and policy makers to better support women, babies and their families in future emergency responses. These strategies include optimising care delivery, enhancing communication, and supporting social and mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Tan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Amanda Blair
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Se Homer
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robin Digby
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tracey Bucknall
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute of Health Transformation, Geelong, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Rivadeneyra-Sicilia A, González-Rábago Y, Ramel V, García-Zurita I. The lived experience of receiving and providing antenatal care during the Covid-19 crisis in Southern Europe: An exploratory qualitative study. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 39:100949. [PMID: 38281399 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Covid-19 pandemic led to a reorganization of antenatal care including the cancellation or shift into telemedicine of consultations and restrictions to the presence of an accompanying person. The aim was to explore healthcare professionals' and women's lived experience of such reorganisation consequences on the quality of care and specific challenges they faced, with a particular emphasis on telemedicine and equity. METHODS Exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions of women and healthcare providers in New Aquitaine (France) and in the Basque Country (Spain). We collected data from a purposive sampling of women (n = 33) and professionals (n = 19) who had received or provided antenatal care in hospitals and ambulatory facilities between March 2020 and December 2021. Participants' narratives were thematically analysed to identify themes that were subsequently contextualised to the two territories. RESULTS Antenatal care professionals and pregnant women experienced strong emotions and suffered from organizational changes that compromised the quality and equity of care. The pandemic and associated restrictions were sources of emotional distress, fear and loneliness, especially among more disadvantaged and isolated women. Among professionals, the lack of adequate means of protection and the multiple changes in caring protocols generated burnout, feeling of abandonment and emotional distress. CONCLUSIONS The Covid-19 experience should serve to critically consider the unexpected consequences of reorganising healthcare services and the need to meet patients' needs, with a particular consideration for disadvantaged groups. Future scenarios of telemedicine generalisation should consider a combination of in presence and remote consultations ensuring antenatal care quality and equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rivadeneyra-Sicilia
- Institut de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie et de Développement, University of Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France; PHARes Team, Inserm, U1219 Bordeaux Population Health, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Yolanda González-Rábago
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain; Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Viviane Ramel
- PHARes Team, Inserm, U1219 Bordeaux Population Health, Bordeaux, France
| | - Irene García-Zurita
- Research Group Social Determinants of Health and Demographic Change-OPIK, Leioa, Spain
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Kusi Amponsah A, Boateng EA, Armah J, Dompim JK, Gyamfi D, Lomotey A, Annobil FA, Amankrah AE, Youshah RA, Beauty EU, Diji F, Bam V. The psychosocial experiences of pregnant women in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299219. [PMID: 38416742 PMCID: PMC10901345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable and suffer the most during pandemics, according to earlier studies. Pregnant women had to seek healthcare for both themselves and their unborn child(ren) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was unprecedented. Pregnant women's psychosocial experiences during pandemics are crucial since they both directly and indirectly affect the course of pregnancy and childbirth. The study therefore sought to explore the psychosocial experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In this retrospective qualitative study, 15 nursing mothers who were attending a postnatal clinic at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) hospital in Ghana were recruited. Individual interviews were conducted with mothers who were pregnant between March and December 2020. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed into themes. RESULTS Nursing mothers were aged 25-30 years and had infants ranging from 5 months to 15 months. Thirteen (13) were married and two were single. Two (2) major themes and five (5) subthemes emerged from the study. The unpleasant feelings connected to the potential for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing stress were described by the theme, "Fear and Stress". Participants' social experiences (support from significant others), alterations in daily routine and the economic impact because of the pandemic were presented as the "Socioeconomic impact". CONCLUSION Pregnant women go through several challenges during pregnancy such as perceived stress and anxiety. These are likely to heighten during a pandemic, as presented in the study. They therefore need emotional and psychosocial support in such uncertain times to improve outcomes of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Kusi Amponsah
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Edward Appiah Boateng
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jerry Armah
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joana Kyei Dompim
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Douglas Gyamfi
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alberta Lomotey
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Faithful Adwoa Annobil
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Amena Ekua Amankrah
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Rifka Abdallah Youshah
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Elizabeth Uzoka Beauty
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Francis Diji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- St. Martins Catholic Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Victoria Bam
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Bahari NI, Sutan R, Abdullah Mahdy Z. The determinants of maternal perception of antenatal care services during the COVID-19 pandemic critical phase: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297563. [PMID: 38394134 PMCID: PMC10889657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted devastating effects on healthcare delivery systems, specifically those for pregnant women. The aim of this review was to determine the maternal perception of antenatal health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic critical phase. METHODS Scopus, Web of Science, SAGE, and Ovid were systematically searched using the keywords "maternal", "COVID-19 pandemic", "maternal health service", and "maternal perception". Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were original articles, written in English, and published between January 1, 2020, and December 12, 2022. This review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible articles were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was used for data synthesis. RESULTS Of 2683 articles identified, 13 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. Five themes emerged regarding the determinants of maternal perception of antenatal healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic critical phase: lack of psychosocial support, poor maternal healthcare quality, poor opinion of virtual consultation, health structure adaptation failure to meet women's needs, and satisfaction with maternal health services. CONCLUSION Maternal perception, specifically pregnant women's psychosocial and maternal health needs, should be focused on the continuation of maternal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical to identify the maternal perception of maternal health services during the pandemic to ensure health service equity in the "new normal" future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Izyani Bahari
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Sutan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Cherinet A, Zemedkun A, Wudineh A, Molla W, Sisay D, Negassa B, Mebratu A, Gossaye A, Melaku G, Madoro D. Lesson Learned During a Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study of Pregnant Women's Experience in Resource-Limited Setting. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:325-337. [PMID: 38284117 PMCID: PMC10821727 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s448376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pandemics like COVID-19 has strained healthcare systems globally, particularly in resource-limited settings where pre-existing healthcare gaps and constraints amplify the challenges faced by pregnant women. Having this lesson on pregnant women's experiences during COVID-19 offers invaluable insights into potential strategies and interventions needed to mitigate the impact of similar outbreaks in the future. Therefore, this phenomenological study aimed to uncover the experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dilla town, Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia. Method and Materials A descriptive phenomenological design was employed at Dilla University teaching hospital. A Purposive sampling technique was used and point of data saturation was declared at participant 16th. An in-depth interview was conducted in a private room after they received antenatal care services. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using the open code software version 4.03. The interviews were transcribed verbatim to provide tick descriptions of data. Thematic analysis was employed using an inductive approach. Direct quotes from participants were included without any grammar editing to preserve their intended meaning. Results Our study found five predominant themes: mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, health impact of COVID-19, concerns over the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 influence on social engagements, and challenge on getting reliable information. Conclusion and Recommendation This study identified that pregnant women experienced various challenges during the pandemic which includes psychological problems, health impact of COVID-19, economic problems, lack of reliable information and limited social support. Hence, implementing a customized approach by integrating psychosocial interventions with prenatal care services and conducting intensive health education sessions and economic empowerment are beneficial as mitigation strategies to better prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneleay Cherinet
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Abebayehu Zemedkun
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Aregahegn Wudineh
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwosen Molla
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Sisay
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Negassa
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Andualem Mebratu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Aschalew Gossaye
- Departments of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Melaku
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Derebe Madoro
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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Rodrigues J, Body K, Carel H. The pandemic body: the lived body during the COVID-19 pandemic. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2023; 49:725-734. [PMID: 37620040 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2022-012495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we conduct a detailed analysis of qualitative survey data focusing on adult populations in the UK, Japan and Mexico to address the following question: How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed people's lived experience of their bodies, other people's bodies and the world? We identify five themes: (i) fear and danger, (ii) bodily doubt and hypervigilance, (iii) risk and trust, (iv) adapting and enduring and (v) changes in perspective. We use two theoretical frameworks: first, Mary Douglas' anthropological work on purity, risk, danger and symbolism is applied to understand how social and cultural meanings attached to the body have changed during the pandemic. Second, we use the concept of bodily doubt developed by Havi Carel to interpret how people experience their bodies and other people's bodies differently during the pandemic. While we recognise the significant variation in people's embodied experience of the pandemic, our findings suggest there are commonalities that span different countries and cultures. Specifically, we look at responses to COVID-19 protective countermeasures such as national lockdowns and physical distancing which we suggest have reduced people's ability to put faith in their own bodies, trust other people and trust the political leadership. We conclude by proposing that the changes to our lived experience during the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted changes in perspective and a renewed focus on what people consider important in life from a social, moral, cultural and political point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Rodrigues
- Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Japan
- Anthropology, International Research Center for Japanese Studies, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kathryn Body
- Department of Philosophy, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Havi Carel
- Department of Philosophy, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Meister S, Dreyer EM, Hahn L, Thomann M, Keilmann L, Beyer S, Mayer C, Prins G, Hasbargen U, Mahner S, Jeschke U, Kolben T, Burges A. Risk of postpartum depressive symptoms is influenced by psychological burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic and dependent of individual stress coping. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1737-1748. [PMID: 36482113 PMCID: PMC9735014 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06854-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are different studies worldwide, which have shown a higher risk of mental disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One aim of this study was to identify influencing factors of the psychological burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the development of postpartum depression. Further, the role of individual stress and coping strategies was analyzed in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between March and October 2020, 131 women in obstetric care at the LMU Clinic Munich completed a questionnaire at consecutive stages during their perinatal period. The times set for the questionnaire were before birth, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months after birth. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the psychological burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this a modified version of the Stress and coping inventory (SCI) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used. RESULTS We could show that the psychological burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the EPDS score 1, 2 and 6 months after birth. In addition, the prenatal stress and individual coping strategies affected the EPDS and the burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic before and after birth significantly. CONCLUSION An association of the psychological burden related to the COVID-19 pandemic with the risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms could be shown in this study. In this context, the separation of the partner and the family was recognized as an important factor. Furthermore, the SCI was identified as an effective screening instrument for identifying mothers with an increased risk of postpartum depression. Hereby allowing primary prevention by early intervention or secondary prevention by early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Dreyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Hahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Marilena Thomann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Keilmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Beyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Clarissa Mayer
- Faculty of Psychology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gwendolin Prins
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Hasbargen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Burges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Ross T, de Maria de Albuquerque C, Chaves J, Carneiro Rolim KM, Albuquerque Frota M, Surkan PJ. COVID-19 threatens the progress of humanised childbirth: a qualitative study of giving birth during the pandemic in Brazil. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2152548. [PMID: 36825627 PMCID: PMC9970195 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2152548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The stressful nature of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the quality of maternity care. The purpose of this study was to understand and explore the labour and delivery experiences for women who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil during this time. Between July and October 2020, we conducted 28 semi-structured interviews with postpartum women who tested positive for COVID-19 prior to delivering at a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil. Interview transcripts were coded, and we carried out a thematic analysis using three domains of the World Health Organization's model of intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience as a framework. During labour and delivery, women experienced varying levels of respect, with many women reporting feeling mistreated by their healthcare team because of their COVID-19 diagnosis. Due to COVID-19 hospital protocols that denied companions or visitors, women reported feeling unsupported and isolated, especially during the mandatory quarantine. Women also experienced varying levels of effective communication, with some women citing they felt the staff were often fearful, and either avoidant or disrespectful. A minority of women reported that the staff appeared to be respectful and receptive to their needs. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic on health professionals potentially results in ineffective communication and mistreatment during labour and delivery. Embedding respectful and humanised childbirth principles into emergency maternal healthcare protocols may improve the childbirth experience for women with COVID-19, as well as for women during future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamia Ross
- MSPH Student, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Conceição de Maria de Albuquerque
- PhD Student, Centro de Ciências de Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jessica Chaves
- MS Student, Centro de Ciências de Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Karla Maria Carneiro Rolim
- Professor, Centro de Ciências de Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Mirna Albuquerque Frota
- Professor, Centro de Ciências de Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pamela J. Surkan
- Professor, Social and Behavioral Intervention Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E5523, Baltimore, MD, USA. Correspondence:
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Mariño-Narvaez C, Puertas-Gonzalez JA, Romero-Gonzalez B, Kraneis MC, Peralta-Ramirez MI. Pregnant women's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the trimester of pregnancy. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37942780 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2279039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to analyse the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women according to the pregnancy trimester, comparing their psychopathological symptomatology, pregnancy-specific stress, resilience and perceived stress to those of women pregnant before the pandemic. METHODS A total of 797 pregnant women participated in the study, one group of 393 women pregnant before the pandemic and the other of 404 women pregnant during the pandemic. Student-t test was used to analyse continuous data and the Chi-square test was used for categorical data. RESULTS Psychopathological symptomatology was significantly higher in six subscales of the SCL-90-R in pregnant women during COVID-19: somatisation, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, obsessions-compulsions, mainly on the first two trimesters. There is also a higher level of pregnancy-specific stress in pregnant women during the pandemic on the first two trimesters, most likely due to the hypervigilance and fears related to the COVID-19 disease. Nevertheless, perceived stress, usually elevated during pregnancy, was lower in women pregnant during the pandemic in comparison to those pregnant before, as a positive consequence of being on lockdown and diminishing the exposure to daily stressful situations. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the struggles these women go through during each trimester of pregnancy can be the key to a better health professional-patient relationship, consequently having a positive impact on their mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose A Puertas-Gonzalez
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Borja Romero-Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Valladolid, Soria, Spain
| | - Marie-Christin Kraneis
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Peralta-Ramirez
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Ingrit BL, Cathryne J, Sihaloho SMJ, Quisessa A. Women's Childbirth Experiences During COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76Suppl 1:e20220640. [PMID: 37820106 PMCID: PMC10561943 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore in depth the experiences of women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS Qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological. A total of 16 participants did not suffer from COVID-19 and gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in the community setting area. RESULTS There are five themes: 1: Feelings of anxiety and fear of giving birth in hospitals are experienced by women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2. Screening for COVID and health protocols applied in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, 3. Support from husbands, families, and health workers is needed when giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, 4. Lack of family visits hours is an obstacle during childbirth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 5: Bonding attachment between mother and baby while at the hospital. CONCLUSION Optimal maternity nursing care and supporting health facilities and public policies will help mothers give birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joice Cathryne
- Universitas Pelita Harapan. Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, Indonesia
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12
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Mortazavi F, Nikbakht R, Mehrabadi M, Shahhosseini Z. A structural equation model analysis of the relationship between expectant fathers' fear of COVID-19 and their fear of childbirth: The mediating role of maternal fear of childbirth. Midwifery 2023; 125:103790. [PMID: 37595365 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy and childbirth may provoke various emotional responses in expectant fathers including excessive fear of childbirth. It is not unreasonable to assume that fear of contracting the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have intensified fathers' fear of childbirth. This study aims to determine the mediating role of the expectant mothers' fear of childbirth in the relationship between expectant fathers' fear of COVID-19 and their fear of childbirth. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 pregnant women and their spouses attending health centers from Aug 2021 to April 2022. Fathers' fear of childbirth scale (FFCS), Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ-A), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) were used to collect data. To examine the relationships between variables and to develop the final model, we used the structural equation model (SEM). RESULTS The prevalence of severe fear of childbirth in fathers and their female spouses were 40.9% and 22.4%, respectively. The mean score and standard deviation of fear of childbirth in the fathers and their female spouses were 49.2 ± 17.1 and 62.5 ± 29.4, respectively. Results showed that fathers' fear of COVID-19 was directly (B = 0.44, p = 0.004) and indirectly (B = 0.13, p = 0.015) associated with fathers' fear of childbirth. Also, women's fear of childbirth was positively associated with fathers' fear of childbirth (B = 0.45, p = 0.030). In the final model, the values of χ2/df, CFI, PCFI, RMSEA, and SRMR were equal to 2.32, 0.94, 0.76, 0.07, and 0.06, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of severe fear of childbirth in Iranian expectant fathers which means that fathers' fear of childbirth is a national health concern that needs to be addressed. The findings of the present study indicate that mothers' fear of childbirth has a mediating role in the relationship between fathers' fear of COVID and fear of childbirth. Therefore, to alleviate fathers' fear of childbirth, interventions to reduce fathers' fear of COVID-19 and women's fear of childbirth should be developed and implemented. The impact of fathers' mental health on the fear of childbirth in expectant couples should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Mortazavi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Roya Nikbakht
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Mehrabadi
- Health Chancellery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Zohreh Shahhosseini
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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13
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Mokhtari Zanjani P, Tehranian N, Changizi N, Mohammadi E, Farzinrad B, Kazemnejad A. Maternal mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: a content analysis study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:102. [PMID: 37434144 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As crises occur, attention to physical health usually becomes more than mental health, neglecting mental health, especially in some vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and new mothers, can have adverse consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and comprehend their mental health needs, particularly during critical situations such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explain the understanding and experience of mental health concerns faced by pregnant and postpartum women during this pandemic. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted from March 2021 to November 2021 in Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews to understand mental health concerns in pregnancy and the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five purposefully retrieved and participated in the study. Due to the prevalence of coronavirus, most of the participants preferred tele interviews. When data saturation was achieved, the data were codified manually and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's approach 2004. RESULTS Based on the content analysis of the interviews, 2 main themes, 8 categories 23 subcategories were identified. The identified themes were as follows: (1) Maternal mental health threats and (2) Inadequate access to the required information. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that the main concern and fear of pregnant and postpartum women in the COVID-19 pandemic was the fear of the possibility of death for themselves and/or their fetus/infant. The knowledge that was obtained from the understanding of pregnant women and new mothers about the mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic can help managers in planning to improve and promote women's mental health, especially in critical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouran Mokhtari Zanjani
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Tehranian
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nasrin Changizi
- Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eesa Mohammadi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Banafsheh Farzinrad
- School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran Medical Science University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anoshirvan Kazemnejad
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Herdea V, Tarciuc P, Ghionaru R, Lupusoru M, Tataranu E, Chirila S, Rosu O, Marginean CO, Leibovitz E, Diaconescu S. Vaccine Hesitancy Phenomenon Evolution during Pregnancy over High-Risk Epidemiological Periods-"Repetitio Est Mater Studiorum". Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1207. [PMID: 37515023 PMCID: PMC10384756 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The recent epidemiological events were high-stress level generators for humanity, particularly for pregnant women, influencing their attitude, behavior, and decisions regarding vaccination during pregnancy or regarding their future child. The aim of this study was to analyze the anti-pertussis vaccination decision-shaping factors in pregnant women during two epidemiological periods: the measles epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: Two groups of pregnant women were invited to be part of a medical education program, having as the main theme the infectious disease risks and their prevention through vaccination. Before launching the program, participants received a 12-item questionnaire. From a total number of 362 pregnant women enrolled in the study, 182 participated in 2019, and 180 participated in 2022. (3) Results: The socio-demographic data revealed that the age of pregnant women participating in medical education programs increased in 2022 by 1.7 years (p < 0.01). In vitro fertilization was reported in a significantly higher proportion (20% in 2022 vs 9.8% in 2019, p < 0.01). Participation in community-initiated educational programs almost doubled during the pandemic time from 18.7% in 2019 to 33.9% in 2022 (p < 0.01). Pertussis vaccine acceptancy (VA) dropped from 85% in 2019 to 44.4% in 2022 (p < 0.01) (4) Conclusions: In this study, we reported fast-growing vaccine hesitancy and severe declared vaccine reluctance. The results of this complex long-term study, which evaluated pregnant women over several years, showed a five-fold increase in the percentage of pregnant women who disagreed with personal pertussis vaccination. This draws attention to the risks of pertussis epidemic outbreaks in pregnant women and their future infants in the first couple of months of life before the initiation of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Herdea
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Petruta Tarciuc
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Raluca Ghionaru
- Romanian Association for Pediatric Education in Family Medicine, 021507 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Lupusoru
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Tataranu
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Stefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Sergiu Chirila
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Oana Rosu
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Cristina Oana Marginean
- Department of Pediatrics, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, andTechnology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Eugene Leibovitz
- The Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva 85025, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 85025, Israel
| | - Smaranda Diaconescu
- Medical-Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 031593 Bucharest, Romania;
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15
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Mishra BK, Kanungo S, Panda S, Patel K, Swain S, Dwivedy S, Karna S, Bhuyan D, Som M, Marta B, Bhattacharya D, Kshatri JS, Pati S, Palo SK. Access to Maternal and Child Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Explorative Qualitative Study in Odisha, India. Indian J Community Med 2023; 48:459-464. [PMID: 37469922 PMCID: PMC10353676 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_285_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal and child health (MCH) care is one of the essential routine healthcare services, which got affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Modeled projections had anticipated an 8.3%-38.6% rise in maternal mortality from different countries globally. In view of limited studies pertaining to issues related to accessing MCH services in the event of a pandemic, this study was carried out on pregnant and postnatal mothers in Odisha, India. Methods An explorative qualitative study through 36 in-depth interviews (IDIs) was conducted among 16 (44.4%) antenatal and 20 (55.5%) postnatal mothers in six of thirty districts of Odisha, India, from February to April 2021. The districts and blocks were randomly selected for better representativeness. The IDIs were conducted using a predesigned and pretested guide among mothers who had undergone delivery or availed of antenatal, postnatal, or child health services from October 2020 to April 2021. The IDIs were conducted till data saturation. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. Results The average age of mothers was 27.6 (+/- 2.2) years. Among the participants, 16 (44.4%) were antenatal and 20 (55.6%) were postnatal mothers; 19 (52.8%) were primipara and 17 (47.2%) were multipara. The majority explained that they received enormous support including door-to-door services from the community health workers (CHWs) even during the difficult times of the pandemic. Reduced transportation facility and fear of contracting the infection were reasons behind the unwillingness to visit health facilities and preference for home delivery. Furthermore, the pandemic had physical, mental, social, and financial impacts among pregnant and postnatal women. Conclusion The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has affected access to MCH services by antenatal and postnatal mothers. Health system preparedness and appropriate strategies including better community engagement and participation could avert such challenges in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kripalini Patel
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Swagatika Swain
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Sonam Karna
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Dinesh Bhuyan
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | | | | | - Jaya S. Kshatri
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Subrata K. Palo
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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16
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Midwives' experiences of providing maternity care to women and families during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Italy. Women Birth 2023; 36:e57-e64. [PMID: 35490090 PMCID: PMC9015962 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly challenged maternity provision internationally. Rapid and radical changes were implemented, with midwives facing anxiety and moral distress if not able to provide optimal and woman-centred care in line with professional values. BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals' stress and burnout are commonly reported during other global emergencies, which may eventually contribute to reduced quality of care. There is lack of evidence of the challenges faced by midwives in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM To explore midwives' experiences of providing care to women and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The sample included 15 midwives. Ethical approval was obtained. FINDINGS Four themes were identified: 1) adjusting to the ever-evolving organisation of care; 2) physical, psychological and relational challenges; 3) support network; 4) deferred sense of awareness. DISCUSSION Midwives faced professional and personal challenges during the pandemic, displaying feelings of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, discomfort, lack of support and knowledge with potential long-term effects. Adjusting to the continuous, rapid and drastic re-organisation of maternity services was particularly challenging. Factors facilitating a safe, supportive and empowering workplace included support from colleagues and managers, access to appropriate PPE, reliable guidelines, good communication and emotional support. Positive aspects of personal and professional development included communication skills, establishment of trusting relationships, sense of empowerment and teamwork. CONCLUSION In the context of a pandemic, optimisation of midwives' physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing should be considered. Timely and comprehensive guidelines and appropriate resources should be provided to assist midwives in facilitating family-centred respectful maternity care and preserving childbirth as a bio-psychosocial event.
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17
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Abu Sabbah EA, Eqylan SB, Al-Maharma DY, Thekrallah F, Safadi RR. Fears and uncertainties of expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic: trying to reclaim control. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022; 17:2018773. [PMID: 35012434 PMCID: PMC8765436 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.2018773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has exponentially spread across the globe and formed one of the greatest health threats in history. Pregnant women are vulnerable, and their vulnerability is amplified by the associated containment measures of the pandemic. In this study, we aim to explore and describe expectant mothers’ experiences during the lockdown of COVID-19. Method A qualitative descriptive design was used. Eighteen pregnant and postpartum women were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured phone call interviews were conducted by a female researcher. Braun and Clarke’s thematic data analysis was followed. Results Three main themes are developed: (1) Living with fears and uncertainties amid the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) Lockdown disrupting the normalcy of pregnancy, (3) Trying to control the chaos of life. Five subthemes underlined the three themes. Conclusion Findings portrayed expectant mothers’ uncertainties, fears, and the fragility of the healthcare systems in responding to mothers’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic has resulted in disruption of the normalcy of pregnancy, mothers sought adaptive means to protect themselves and maintain control. Governmental authorities and healthcare providers are directly responsible to maintain considerate perinatal care services for expectant mothers during lockdown and crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A Abu Sabbah
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Dua' Yousef Al-Maharma
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fida Thekrallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Reema R Safadi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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18
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van den Berg LMM, Akooji N, Thomson G, de Jonge A, Balaam MC, Topalidou A, Downe S. Making maternity and neonatal care personalised in the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the Babies Born Better survey in the UK and the Netherlands. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267415. [PMID: 36449488 PMCID: PMC9710753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on women's birth experiences. To date, there are no studies that use both quantitative and qualitative data to compare women's birth experiences before and during the pandemic, across more than one country. AIM To examine women's birth experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare the experiences of women who gave birth in the United Kingdom (UK) or the Netherlands (NL) either before or during the pandemic. METHOD This study is based on analyses of quantitative and qualitative data from the online Babies Born Better survey. Responses recorded by women giving birth in the UK and the NL between June and December 2020 have been used, encompassing women who gave birth between 2017 and 2020. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and chi-squared tests were performed to compare women who gave birth pre- versus during pandemic and separately by country. Qualitative data was analysed by inductive thematic analysis. FINDINGS Respondents in both the UK and the NL who gave birth during the pandemic were as likely, or, if they had a self-reported above average standard of life, more likely to rate their labour and birth experience positively when compared to women who gave birth pre-pandemic. This was despite the fact that those labouring in the pandemic reported a lack of support and limits placed on freedom of choice. Two potential explanatory themes were identified in the qualitative data: respondents had lower expectations of care during the pandemic, and they appreciated the efforts of staff to give individualised care, despite the rules. CONCLUSION Our study implies that many women labouring during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced restrictions, but their experience was mitigated by staff actions. However, personalised care should not be maintained by the good will of care providers, but should be a priority in maternity care policy to benefit all service users equitably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri M. M. van den Berg
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Naseerah Akooji
- Lancashire Clinical Trials Units, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Thomson
- Faculty of Health and Care, School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Clare Balaam
- Faculty of Health and Care, School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasia Topalidou
- Faculty of Health and Care, School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Soo Downe
- Faculty of Health and Care, School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
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Zheng X, Zhang J, Ye X, Lin X, Liu H, Qin Z, Chen D, Zhan C. Navigating through motherhood in pregnancy and postpartum periods during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:3958-3971. [PMID: 36194367 PMCID: PMC9874529 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this work is to critically appraise and synthesize the qualitative studies on the experiences, perspectives, and consequences of pregnant women experiencing motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to the health of pregnant women. Such a pandemic disrupted their routine care, as well as normal daily life. However, little is known about their coping strategies to the changes brought by COVID-19. EVALUATION A qualitative systematic review was conducted according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) checklist. A meta-aggregative approach rooted in pragmatism and Husserlian transcendental phenomenology was used to synthesize the findings. Dependability and credibility of both study findings and synthesized findings were appraised by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) ConQual process. KEY ISSUES Key issues include (a) pregnant women experienced changes in routine care, (b) pregnant women used a range of strategies to cope with the consequence of the pandemic, (c) pregnant women struggled to embrace motherhood, and (d) pregnant women received different levels of social support. CONCLUSION Facing challenges caused by the pandemic, pregnant women used a variety of strategies to cope with and adapt to the changes, but sometimes the adaption is limited. Emotional, instrumental, and informational support should be provided to them in an accessible way. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT As an essential part of policymakers, nursing managers should consider the balance between restriction and the accessibility of maternity care. It is also crucial for them to consider how to provide necessary support in an accessible way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutong Zheng
- Department of NursingMindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNingdeChina,School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Xinxin Ye
- School of Public HealthZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoyi Lin
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Huanju Liu
- Women's Hospital and the Institute of GeneticsZhenjiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Zhuzhu Qin
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Danfeng Chen
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Chenju Zhan
- Department of NursingMindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNingdeChina
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20
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Yip KH, Yip YC, Tsui WK. The Lived Experiences of Women without COVID-19 in Breastfeeding Their Infants during the Pandemic: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159511. [PMID: 35954868 PMCID: PMC9368050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in 2020 has led to several changes and disturbances in the daily lives of the general public. Particularly for new (first-time) mothers, there has been a significant impact on the practices of raising and feeding their babies. Social distancing measures everywhere have made mothers hesitant to breastfeed their babies anywhere else but at home. Combined with the fear of being infected with COVID-19, the present situation has created unprecedented barriers for breastfeeding mothers to accessing various types of support: emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal. There has been no research on the influence of the pandemic on social support regarding breastfeeding in Hong Kong. This study aimed to explore the social support and impact of COVID-19 on mothers breastfeeding their babies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 currently breastfeeding women in Hong Kong. Colaizzi’s seven-step method was used for data analysis. Two key themes emerged from the interview data: (1) positive influences on breastfeeding support during COVID-19 and (2) negative influences on breastfeeding support during COVID-19. Our findings may help mothers prepare to breastfeed their babies in places other than their homes.
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21
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Bankar S, Ghosh D. Accessing Antenatal Care (ANC) services during the COVID-19 first wave: insights into decision-making in rural India. Reprod Health 2022; 19:158. [PMID: 35804394 PMCID: PMC9264734 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antenatal care (ANC) services are a prime focus of the Government of India's National Health Mission (NHM), of which a key pillar is the promotion of maternal and child health. To ensure uninterrupted service delivery at the last mile, a cadre of Frontline Health Workers (FLHWs) has been appointed and health centres established at the village level. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown from late March to June 2020 impacted pregnant women's access to institutional antenatal care services. Methods Using a qualitative research design, data was collected through 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with pregnant women and 17 IDIs with frontline health workers in the selected six districts under study. The narratives were analysed using inductive coding in Atlas.ti. Results During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women, most of whom belonged to poor and marginalised groups, were left with limited access to health centres and FLHWs. Respondents from the study areas of rural Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh extensively reported concerns stemming from the lockdown that influenced their decision to access ANC services. These included anxieties around meeting their families' daily needs due to a loss of livelihood (in particular, abject food insecurity), inability to access healthcare, and a sense of mistrust in public health systems and functionaries. All of these, coupled with the real threat to health posed by COVID-19, disrupted their plans for pregnancy and delivery, further compunding the risk to their health and wellbeing. Conclusion This study identified several social, behavioural and structural facets of the communities that contributed to the confusion, anxiety and helplessness experienced during the COVID-19 first wave by both groups, viz. pregnant women and FLHWs. In planning and implementing initiaves to ensure the delivery and uptake of ANC services in this and similar contexts during times of crisis, these facets must be considered. This article highlights the status of ANC services during the nationwide lockdown imposed in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Data was collected through 12 in-depth interviews with pregnant women and 17 in-depth interviews with frontline health workers. Findings suggest that pregnant women were aware of the unprecedented threat of COVID-19 and recommended protective measures through trusted sources of information, including their local Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA). However, both pregnant women and FLHWs believed that the information they received on the health risks of the pandemic and strategies to address these was inadequate. Temporary suspension of health services in the rural countryside meant that pregnant women could not track the foetus's health status, resulting in confusion and distress. Limited or no interaction with FLHWs, coupled with a reported lack of attention to conditions unrelated to COVID-19 and discrimination at healthcare institutions increased the uncertainty around institutional deliveries. This was further heightened by the loss of livelihoods due to the shutdown of businesses during the lockdown, as the respondents could not turn to private hospitals for childbirth. This resulted in the collapse of the trust of pregnant women and their families in the public healthcare system. To bridge this gap and alleviate the sense of mistrust the pandemic has created in its end-users, strategies to improve the utilisation of health services should respond to the barriers identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Bankar
- Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University, Haryana, India.
| | - Deepika Ghosh
- Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University, Haryana, India
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22
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Samadipour E, Ghardashi F, Nazarikamal M, Rakhshani M. Perception risk, preventive behaviors and assessing the relationship between their various dimensions: A cross-sectional study in the Covid-19 peak period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 77:103093. [PMID: 35694686 PMCID: PMC9174951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 epidemic is known as "the deadliest plague of the century" that has overshadowed various aspects of human life. Despite mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the development of new strains, and the escape of immunity, preventive health behaviors continue to play a key role in controlling this epidemic. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between risk perception and the performance of preventive behaviors of people in the Covid-19 peak period in society. This anonymous online survey was conducted with 1950 people in 30 provinces of Iran. The results showed that by increasing the score of cognitive, social and emotional structures of people's perception of risk, their performance in following health recommendations increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezat Samadipour
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, School of Paramedical, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghardashi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, School of Paramedical, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | | | - MohammadHassan Rakhshani
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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23
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Devlin SA, Johnson AK, McNulty MC, Joseph OL, Hall A, Ridgway JP. "Even if I'm undetectable, I just feel like I would die": a qualitative study to understand the psychological and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women living with HIV (WLWH) in Chicago, IL. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:218. [PMID: 35689277 PMCID: PMC9185710 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01812-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and well-being of people worldwide, yet few studies have qualitatively examined its cumulative effects on ciswomen living with HIV (WLWH). We aimed to explore how the pandemic has impacted WLWH, including challenges related to HIV care, employment, finances, and childcare. We also investigated how HIV status and different psychosocial stressors affected their mental health. Methods We performed 25 semi-structured qualitative interviews with WLWH regarding the ways in which COVID-19 impacted their social determinants of health and physical well-being during the pandemic. 19 WLWH who received care at the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) and 6 women who received care at Howard Brown Health, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Chicago, were interviewed remotely from June 2020 to April 2021. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Interviews were thematically analyzed for commonalities regarding HIV-specific and general experiences of WLWH during the pandemic. Results The majority of participants reported COVID-19 impacted their HIV care, such as appointment cancellations and difficulties adhering to antiretroviral therapy. In addition to HIV care obstacles, almost all participants described perceived heightened vulnerability to or fear of COVID-19. The pandemic also affected the socioeconomic well-being of participants, with reported financial strains and employment disruptions. Some mothers took on additional childcare responsibilities, such as homeschooling. Increased mental health concerns and negative psychological effects from the social isolation associated with the pandemic were also experienced by most participants. Conclusions We gained invaluable insight into how WLWH were challenged by and adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its destabilizing effects on their HIV care and mental health. Women described how they undertook additional childcare responsibilities during the pandemic and how their HIV status compounded their concerns (e.g., perceived heightened vulnerability to COVID-19). Strategies to better support WLWH in maintaining their overall health throughout the pandemic include childcare assistance, access to affordable mental health services, support groups, and education from HIV care providers. These findings have significant implications for examining future health crises through the perspective of potential gender inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Devlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5837 S. Maryland Avenue, L-038, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Amy K Johnson
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Moira C McNulty
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5837 S. Maryland Avenue, L-038, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Olivier L Joseph
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5837 S. Maryland Avenue, L-038, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - André Hall
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5837 S. Maryland Avenue, L-038, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jessica P Ridgway
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5837 S. Maryland Avenue, L-038, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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24
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Flaherty SJ, Delaney H, Matvienko-Sikar K, Smith V. Maternity care during COVID-19: a qualitative evidence synthesis of women's and maternity care providers' views and experiences. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:438. [PMID: 35619069 PMCID: PMC9132752 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04724-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As COVID-19 continued to impact society and health, maternity care, as with many other healthcare sectors across the globe, experienced tumultuous changes. These changes have the potential to considerably impact on the experience of maternity care. To gain insight and understanding of the experience of maternity care during COVID-19, from the perspectives of women and maternity care providers, we undertook a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES). Methods The population of interest for the QES were pregnant and postpartum women, and maternity care providers, who provided qualitative data on their experiences of maternity care during COVID-19. The electronic databases of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane COVID study register were systematically searched from 01 Jan 2020 to 13 June 2021. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using a modified version of the quality assessment tool, based on 12-criteria, designed by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information coordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre). Data were extracted by two reviewers independently and synthesised using the Thomas and Harden framework. Confidence in the findings was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual). Results Fifty records relating to 48 studies, involving 9,348 women and 2,538 maternity care providers, were included in the QES. The methodological quality of the studies varied from four studies meeting all 12 quality criteria to two studies meeting one quality criterion only. The synthesis revealed eight prominent themes. Five of these reflected women’s experiences: 1) Altered maternity care (women), 2) COVID-related restrictions, 3) Infection prevention and risk, 4) ‘the lived reality’ – navigating support systems, and 5) Interactions with maternity services. Three themes reflected maternity care providers’ experiences: 6) Altered maternity care (providers), 7) Professional and personal impact, and 8) Broader structural impact. Confidence in the findings was high or moderate. Conclusion Although some positive experiences were identified, overall, this QES reveals that maternity care during COVID-19 was negatively experienced by both women and maternity care providers. The pandemic and associated changes evoked an array of emotive states for both populations, many of which have the potential to impact on future health and wellbeing. Resource and care planning to mitigate medium- and longer-term adverse sequelae are required. PROSPERO registration CRD42021232684. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04724-w.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Delaney
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Valerie Smith
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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25
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Kokkinaki T, Hatzidaki E. COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Restrictions: Factors That May Affect Perinatal Maternal Mental Health and Implications for Infant Development. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:846627. [PMID: 35633965 PMCID: PMC9133722 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.846627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to discuss the factors that may affect maternal mental health and infant development in COVID-19 pandemic condition. Toward this direction, the two objectives of this review are the following: (a) to discuss possible factors that may have affected negatively perinatal mental health through the pandemic-related restrictions; and (b) to present the implications of adversely affected maternal emotional wellbeing on infant development. We conclude that the pandemic may has affected maternal mental health with possible detrimental effects for the infants of the COVID-19 generation. We highlight the need for evidence-based interventions to be integrated within the health system for prenatal and postpartum care in an effort to promote maternal mental health and infant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theano Kokkinaki
- Child Development and Education Unit, Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), School of Medicine, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
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26
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Dewi IP, Fatmawati A, Aisyah PS, Linawati SL. Qur’anic Bibliotherapy Intervention in Pregnant Women Experiencing Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: A Qualitative Exploratory Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The disease caused by coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has been stated as a global epidemic by the WHO. The COVID-19 pandemic adds many risk factors to maternal mental health during the perinatal period. The impact of anxiety during pregnancy is adverse obstetric consequences such as premature birth, inadequate antenatal care, requests for elective cesarean delivery, low APGAR scores of infants, and postpartum depression. Nursing interventions to overcome anxiety can be done through spiritual and religious intervention approaches. One of the spiritual interventions for the Muslim population to improve religious coping is Qur’anic Bibliotherapy (QB) as Islamic bibliotherapy.
AIM: This study aimed to explore the use of QB interventions for pregnant women experiencing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to explore the experience of the intervention given to the informant. The qualitative samples were ten respondents with moderate-to-severe anxiety levels. The anxiety instrument used was the Zung Anxiety Scale.
RESULTS: The themes obtained from in-depth interviews with semi-structured interviews were recognizing COVID-19 and its perceived impact, the impetus for changing resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents’ role, and the benefits of QB for pregnant women in the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS: QB encourages informants’ positive thinking, feeling, spiritual, and attitude patterns. QB can be used as a complementary Islamic intervention for health workers, especially nurses, in providing nursing care to Muslim patients.
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Alkaissi A, Zaben F, Abu-Rajab M, Alkony M. Lived experiences of Palestinian patients with COVID-19: a multi-center descriptive phenomenological study of recovery journey. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:470. [PMID: 35264129 PMCID: PMC8905007 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12868-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exploring lived experiences of recovered COVID-19 patients might have scientific, social, and policy relevance that can apply to the healthcare infrastructure. This multi-center descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to explore lived experiences of Palestinian patients who recovered from COVID-19. Methods This was a descriptive phenomenological study. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with patients who recovered from COVID-19 (n = 20). The interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach which consisted of the following steps: 1) familiarization, 2) identification of significant statements, 3) formulation of the meanings, 4) clustering the themes, 5) development of an exhaustive description of the phenomenon, 6) production of the fundamental structure, and 7) verification of the fundamental structure. Results Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 male and 6 female patients who recovered from COVID-19. The total duration of the interview time was 998 min (16.6 h). The qualitative data collected during the interviews were categorized into 5 major themes and 16 subthemes that exhaustively described the phenomenon. The major themes were relevant to: 1) emotions after learning about the infection, 2) experiencing social exclusion and stigma, 3) the experienced symptoms, 4) supportive treatments, herbs, rituals, and social support, 5) and life after recovery. Conclusion The interviewees recounted experiencing negative emotions, social exclusion, and stigma because of their infection. It may be important for mental health promotion to be an integral part of the care plan for patients with COVID-19. More studies are still needed to investigate if introducing mental healthcare providers to the care team of patients with COVID-19 can improve the experiences of the patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-12868-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidah Alkaissi
- Nursing and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences- An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Fadi Zaben
- Nursing and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences- An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Abu-Rajab
- Nursing and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences- An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mahdia Alkony
- Nursing and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences- An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the experiences of pregnant women who were living in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Using a qualitative design, we used data obtained from women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy who participated in the Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects (PEACE) Study from May 21 to December 22, 2020. RESULTS 361 of 408 pregnant women (88%) who participated in the PEACE study during that timeframe provided narrative comments. Participants had a mean age of 33.2 years (SD = 3.7) with a high percentage of White women (91.4%). At the time of participation, women were between 2.4 and 8.6 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Just under half were pregnant for the first time (n = 177). Content analysis of responses revealed an overall sense of "unmet expectations" within two themes involving the role of relationships: 1) losing the experience of going through pregnancy together and 2) loss of social support and expected relationship building. Differences were noted between participants giving birth for the first time and participants with other children at home. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study offers insight for nurses and other clinicians taking care of pregnant women during times of public health crises and provides implications for the care of women as the pandemic continues. Nurses can help women plan for future health care changes that may disrupt their support needs as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses should also be aware of possible enduring effects of prenatal unmet needs on later outcomes.
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Shahraki Z, Moghadam MN, Sefatgol A, Ghaemi M. Reply to: COVID-19 Delta variant and anxiety and fear in pregnant women. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:229. [PMID: 34731931 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shahraki
- Department Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | | | - Arman Sefatgol
- Department Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Marjan Ghaemi
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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STEWART J, WATTS DK, HUGHES DAJ, SLADE PP, SPIBY PH. The importance of face to face, group antenatal education classes for first time mothers: A qualitative study. Midwifery 2022; 109:103295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Hazfiarini A, Zahroh RI, Akter S, Homer CS, Bohren MA. Indonesian midwives’ perspectives on changes in the provision of maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Midwifery 2022; 108:103291. [PMID: 35279435 PMCID: PMC8881222 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore how COVID-19 influenced the provision of high-quality maternity care in Indonesia. Design and methods A qualitative descriptive study using in-depth interviews was undertaken. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data, and behaviour change frameworks (Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) and Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation (COM-B)) were used to identify and map facilitators and barriers influencing maternity care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting and participants Fifteen midwives working in community maternity care facilities in Surabaya and Mataram, Indonesia were included. Surabaya is in western Indonesia, with around 56,000 births per year and a population of around 3 million. Mataram is in eastern Indonesia, with around 7,000 births per year and a population of around 500,000. Findings The main changes to maternity care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic were reduced frequency of antenatal and postpartum care visits, reduced support for women, including unavailability of maternity care and reduced number of antenatal care and labour companions, changes in location of provision of care, and public health changes related to COVID-19. The main factors influencing the provision of high-quality maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic were behavioural regulation, professional role and identity, and environmental context and resources. Key conclusions and implications for practice Maternity care provision underwent substantial changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Findings from this study can contribute to better understanding of how maternity care provision changed during the pandemic, and how positive changes can be reinforced, and negative changes can be addressed.
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32
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Jones H, Seaborne M, Cowley L, Odd D, Paranjothy S, Akbari A, Brophy S. Population birth outcomes in 2020 and experiences of expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 'born in Wales' mixed methods study using routine data. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267176. [PMID: 35609019 PMCID: PMC9129046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy can be a stressful time and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of life. This study aims to investigate the pandemic impact on pregnancy experience, rates of primary childhood immunisations and the differences in birth outcomes in during 2020 to those of previous years. METHODS Self-reported pregnancy experience: 215 expectant mothers (aged 16+) in Wales completed an online survey about their experiences of pregnancy during the pandemic. The qualitative survey data was analysed using codebook thematic analysis. Population-level birth outcomes in Wales: Stillbirths, prematurity, birth weight and Caesarean section births before (2016-2019) and during (2020) the pandemic were compared using anonymised individual-level, population-scale routine data held in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. Uptake of the first three scheduled primary childhood immunisations were compared between 2019 and 2020. FINDINGS The pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of 71% of survey respondents, who reported anxiety, stress and loneliness; this was associated with attending scans without their partner, giving birth alone, and minimal contact with midwives. There was no significant difference in annual outcomes including gestation and birth weight, stillbirths, and Caesarean sections for infants born in 2020 compared to 2016-2019. There was an increase in late term births (≥42 weeks gestation) during the first lockdown (OR: 1.28, p = 0.019) and a decrease in moderate to late preterm births (32-36 weeks gestation) during the second lockdown (OR: 0.74, p = 0.001). Fewer babies were born in 2020 (N = 29,031) compared to 2016-2019 (average N = 32,582). All babies received their immunisations in 2020, but there were minor delays in the timings of immunisations. Those due at 8-weeks were 8% less likely to be on time (within 28-days) and at 16-weeks, they were 19% less likely to be on time. INTERPRETATION Whilst the pandemic had a negative impact on mothers' experiences of pregnancy. Population-level data suggests that this did not translate to adverse birth outcomes for babies born during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Jones
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Mike Seaborne
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Cowley
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
- Research and Evaluation Division, Knowledge Directorate, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - David Odd
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Shantini Paranjothy
- Centre for Health Data Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Population Data Science, Health Data Research UK, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Sinead Brophy
- National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
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Women's experience of pregnancy and birth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:2177-2184. [PMID: 34855128 PMCID: PMC8636585 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02862-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how maternity care services are provided worldwide. To contain the virus, many providers reduced the number of face-to-face visits for women. In addition, partner attendance was prohibited in many circumstances to protect staff, and other service users, from potential infection. Aims To explore women’s experience of pregnancy and birth in the Republic of Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A qualitative study with 14 women was conducted using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected between April and July 2020, and in-depth interviews were conducted either in pregnancy or in the first 12 weeks after the birth. Results Six categories emerged: loss of normality, navigating “new” maternity care systems, partners as bystanders, balancing information, uncertainty, and unexpected benefits of pregnancy during the pandemic. While benefits were reported (working from home and additional time spent with partners during the “fourth trimester”), in general, the themes were of increased anxiety and uncertainty. Conclusion The pandemic caused additional anxiety for pregnant women. This was exacerbated by uncertainty about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and unclear messaging about restrictions. More interactive and personalized communication is required to support women to cope with uncertainty during a pandemic. The birth partner plays an important role as an advocate for women and excluding them from pregnancy care caused additional anxiety for pregnant women. Containment strategies for a pandemic should be developed with this in mind, to view the family as a unit rather than the woman in isolation.
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Baran J, Leszczak J, Baran R, Biesiadecka A, Weres A, Czenczek-Lewandowska E, Kalandyk-Osinko K. Prenatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression in Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3193. [PMID: 34300358 PMCID: PMC8304229 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the occurrence of prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms, and to assess what factors significantly affect the appearance of symptoms of depression and anxiety in young mothers. The study group consisted of 130 women after childbirth. Due to the ongoing restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was prepared online. The questionnaire was fully anonymous, and it contained the authors' own questions and two standardized questionnaires: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorders GAD-7. The conducted analysis clearly indicated that the level of postpartum depression, in as many as 52 of the mothers, had increased significantly compared to the time before delivery, when symptoms of depression were shown by 22 women (p = 0.009). However, there was no statistically significant change between prenatal and postnatal anxiety. There are many factors associated with postnatal depression. The strongest predictors turned out to be average socioeconomic status, history of anxiety disorders, past neurosis or depression, lack of or inadequate level of assistance from healthcare professionals, as well as lactation problems and postpartum pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Baran
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland; (J.L.); (A.W.); (E.C.-L.)
- Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, ul. Litawora 2, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Justyna Leszczak
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland; (J.L.); (A.W.); (E.C.-L.)
- Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, ul. Litawora 2, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Rafał Baran
- SOLUTION-Statistical Analysis, ul. Stojałowskiego 4/73, 35-120 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Anna Biesiadecka
- PELVIMED mgr Anna Biesiadecka, Aleja Niepodległości 4/32, 39-300 Mielec, Poland;
| | - Aneta Weres
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland; (J.L.); (A.W.); (E.C.-L.)
- Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, ul. Litawora 2, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland; (J.L.); (A.W.); (E.C.-L.)
- Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, ul. Litawora 2, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kalandyk-Osinko
- Institute of Medical Science, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Al. mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Frederic Chopin Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 1 in Rzeszów, ul. Szopena 2, 35-055 Rzeszów, Poland
- Fortitudo Medical Center, ul. Jana Pawła II 94, 35-317 Rzeszów, Poland
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Alam MS, Chakraborty T. Understanding the nexus between public risk perception of COVID-19 and evacuation behavior during cyclone Amphan in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07655. [PMID: 34316522 PMCID: PMC8295048 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In May 2020, when Bangladesh was struggling with community transmission of COVID-19, the country had to face the strongest tropical storm- Cyclone Amphan -which puts the evacuation process in jeopardy. Thus, it is crucial to measure the public risk perception about COVID-19 and its influence on the evacuation decision. This study explores the nexus between COVID-19 risk perception and coastal peoples' evacuation decisions during cyclone Amphan. With an analysis of 378 sample households survey data of the Satkhira district, this study developed the COVID-19 risk perception index using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and categorized the respondents based on the score. The result shows that 1.85 %, 21.43 %, 45.77 %, 25.13 %, and 5.82 % have very low, low, moderate, high, and very high-risk perceptions, respectively. The analysis also reveals that 96.6 % of the respondents received an evacuation order during Amphan, but only 42 % complied with the order. The t-test analysis and common language effect size test of the survey data reveal that the respondents with a high perception score are 65 % less likely to evacuate than the respondents with low perception scores. This study has important implications in guiding concerned authorities to combat natural disasters during COVID-19 and other similar public health emergencies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Shaharier Alam
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Bangladesh Country Office, Rajshahi-6202, Bangladesh
- Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh
| | - Torit Chakraborty
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Bangladesh Country Office, Rajshahi-6202, Bangladesh
- Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh
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