Barriers in Seeking Antenatal Care (ANC) During the COVID - 19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Health Care Centre

  • Manish Kumar MBBS Student, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
  • Anjum Ara Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
  • Indu Chawla Consultant and Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
  • Saurabh MBBS Student, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic, Seeking ANC, Public Health, Trimester, Facing Problem

Abstract

Background: Upon the declaration of COVID-19 as a public health emergency and pandemic, the subsequent steps led to significant changes in the healthcare system of our country. Multiple healthcare services and programs were affected, which included Antenatal care (ANC) services as well. This study attempts to evaluate the barriers in seeking ANC and factors associated with it during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care health centre in New Delhi.
Methods: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study among the patients attending the ANC clinic from April 2021 to September 2021, using a pre-tested, face-validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire upon consent by the participant.
Results: Out of 140 participants, 55.71% faced at least one problem in seeking ANC. In the second trimester, 44.68% and in the third trimester, 64.04% of participants faced problems. Participants in the first trimester didn’t face any problems. The problem in ANC visits was the most common barrier among the participants reporting facing problems (85.71% in the second trimester and 98.25% in the third trimester). Other problems included getting blood investigations done, ultrasound scans, receiving calcium and IFA supplementation, information regarding pregnancy and getting TT doses. Lack of transport and fear of contracting COVID-19 were the two most significant reasons behind the barriers.
Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on ANC services. The major contributing factors were fear of contracting the disease, lack of transport and finance, and the government’s increased focus on COVID-19 patients’ care. Better preparedness will help in a better response to such conditions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202206

How to cite this article:
Kumar M, Ara A, Chawla I, Saurabh. Barriers to
Seeking Antenatal Care (ANC) During the COVID
- 19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Health Care Centre.
Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2022;8(3&4):6-10.

Author Biographies

Anjum Ara, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India

Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi

Indu Chawla, Consultant and Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India

Professor and Senior Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi

Saurabh, MBBS Student, ABVIMS & Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India

undergraduate

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Published
2022-12-31