Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antenatal Care

Adiba Akhtar Khalil; Nabila Amin; Joodi Kizilwarda Akhtar; Muhammad Ayhan Amir; Suha Amir; Uzma Gul

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v72i4.6432

Authors

Adiba Akhtar Khalil Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
Nabila Amin Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi Pakistan
Joodi Kizilwarda Akhtar Shifa Medical College, Islamabad Pakistan
Muhammad Ayhan Amir Shifa Medical College, Islamabad Pakistan
Suha Amir HBS Medical College, Islamabad Pakistan
Uzma Gul Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Lahore Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v72i4.6432

Keywords:

COVID-19 pandemic, Private antenatal visits, Private health sector

Abstract

Objective: To assess how the antenatal population of a hospital was affected by the COVID -19 Pandemic.

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Antenatal Clinic of Government Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, for the month of August 2020.

Methodology: The population in the antenatal clinic of a hospital were given a questionnaire with simple directed questions after consent.

Results: All (150, 100%) of the antenatal population received their COVID-19 pandemic information from television. Most 147 (98%) did not feel embarrassed if they contracted COVID-19 infection, and 147 (98%) took precautions against it. The majority, 146 (97%) of women, had an antenatal check-up. Out of the total, 126 (84%) had a private check-up, but only 36 (24%) had more private visits than prior pregnancies. A significant number, 56 (37%), had to spend more than in prior pregnancies, but only 28 (18.6%) had fewer antenatal visits than before. Most 141 (94%) of women wanted a higher frequency of antenatal visits than the recommended 08 visits by the WHO.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not affect antenatal care because of a well-established private health care system. The patients in prior pregnancies were already using the private sector.