Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Antenatal Healthcare in Al-Ramadi city, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is a form of preventive medicine, pregnancy-specific, and general health advice effectively given in the antenatal period. ANC is conducted by healthcare personnel on pregnant women at regular intervals to protect and improve maternal and neonatal health. Objectives: The study aimed to know if the COVID-19 pandemic affects the coverage rate of  ANC visits of pregnant women. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Al-Andalus Primary Healthcare Center which is located in the center of  Al-Ramadi city, Iraq. We reviewed the records of all ANC first, second, and total visits of the months February, May, and October during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. Results: The study showed the coverage rate of ANC visits was statistically significantly declined with the restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of 2021, there are some elevation in the coverage rate of ANC visits. Conclusion:The study concluded that the lockdown period in the pandemic state due to COVID-19 led to a significant decline in the coverage rate of ANC visits.

Keywords

• covid_19
• antenatal care visits
• coverage rate
• seasonal variation