Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Covid in Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

Abstract

Objective : Covid has emerged in December 2019 and since then has spread exponentially to present as pandemic. Awareness about social distancing and hygiene measures and practicing them correctly all the time remains the mainstay of prevention from this disease. This study aims to assess the knowledge attitude and practices related to Covid infection among pregnant womenMethods: This study was conducted over a period of three months from July 2020 to September 2020. Data was collected using a pre-designed validated questionnaire from 200 participants. Questionnaire included questions related to knowledge (15), attitude (4) and practices (5) regarding Covid infection. Scores for every participant in each category were calculated and then data was analysed.Results: 200 pregnant women who attended obstetric outpatient department of Sultania Zanana Hospital, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal were included in the study. The median score for knowledge was 7 (SD+1.266). The median for attitude was 2 (SD+0.543) and the median score for practice was 3 (SD+0.298). Most of the participants (81%) knew that corona is a viral infection and 82% knew the main clinical symptoms of covid -19. 84% participant have positive attitude of winning of battle against corona virus. 64.5% knowingly skipped scheduled TT Vaccination or IFA/Calcium supplement due to covid infection.70% wore mask while going outside of the house.Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that pregnant women visiting our facility have good knowledge, optimistic attitude and somewhat appropriate practices towards covid. Correct knowledge and awareness remains the first step towards prevention from this unpredictable disease. Targeted approach towards pregnant women with low KAP score who are at high risk for contracting disease would be helpful in spread of disease among them and their families.