https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9596-4424
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus which emerged in Wuhan. Recently this virus has rapidly spread throughout Ethiopia. The current preventive measure practices and knowledge have gaps. Therefore this study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive measure practices and knowledge of pregnant women in Guraghe Zone hospitals.
Methods and Materials
This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 27–August 27, 2020 among pregnant women in Guraghe zone hospitals. Systematic random sampling technique were employed to select 403 participants. Data were checked manually for completeness, cleaned, and stored in Epi Data and exported to SPSS for further analysis. Variables which have a P-value less than 0.25 on bivariate analysis were taken to multivariate analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 and 95% confidence level was used as a cut-off point for presence of association in multivariate analysis.
Results
COVID-19 preventive measure practice and knowledge of pregnant women visiting Guraghe Zone hospitals was 76.2% and 54.84%, respectively. Those aged 20–24 (AOR=1.22, 95% CI=1.15–22.24), 25–29 (AOR=1.32, 95% CI=1.20–20.25), and 30–34 (AOR=2.57, 95% CI–2.32–43.38) were more likely to practice COVID-19 preventive measures. Those residing in urban area (AOR=2.16, 95% CI=1.24–3.77) and perceiving that COVID-19 is worst for people with chronic disease (AOR=5.12, 95% CI=1.73–15.17) were more likely to practice COVID-19 preventive measures.
Conclusion
COVID-19 preventive measure practices and knowledge were low. Age, residence, and perception of COVID-19 on chronic disease were independent factors associated with preventive measure practices. Pregnant women aged ≥35 need to be counseled on practices of preventing COVID-19 by their healthcare providers.
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Ethical Considerations
Ethical clearance was obtained from Wolkite University College of medicine and health science institutional review board (IRB) with a reference number RCSUILC043/2013. Permission was obtained from Guraghe zone health office and each hospital medical directors office; oral informed consent, which was approved by IRB of Wolkite University, was obtained from participants, and this study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured, and participants were informed that their participation was voluntary.
Acknowledgment
When the world is in terrible planning to be a part of solution is remarkable decision. Wolkite University was in charge of this decision, and those who facilitate conditions accordingly in hierarchy of their position to conduct research need to be acknowledged. This work would not beas good as it is now without friends, whose support and advice made this article viable, thank you for your time. My wife, you are kind, patient, and closest friend ever, I see you can hear me even when I am silent; thank you my sweet and I love you. My subjects, pregnant womenvisiting hospitals in Guraghe zone who were included in this study; this research couldn't have happened without you, many thanks dear clients.
Author Contributions
All authors have substantial contributions to conception, study design, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation of data. YF have drafted and YF, AY, TM, MM, WA, MA critically reviewed the article. All authors have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted. We have reviewed and agreed on all versions of the article before submission, during revision, the final version accepted for publication, and any significant changes introduced at the proofing stage. YF agree to take responsibility and be accountable for the contents of the article.
Disclosure
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.