Lesson Learned During a Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study of Pregnant Women’s Experience in Resource-Limited Setting

Abstract

Aneleay Cherinet,1 Abebayehu Zemedkun,2 Aregahegn Wudineh,1 Wondwosen Molla,1 Daniel Sisay,3 Belay Negassa,4 Andualem Mebratu,1 Aschalew Gossaye,5 Getnet Melaku,1 Derebe Madoro6 1Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; 2Department of Anesthesiology, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; 4Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; 5Departments of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; 6Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Aneleay Cherinet, Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, P.O Box: 419, Dilla, Ethiopia, Tel [phone], Email [email protected] Abebayehu Zemedkun, Department of Anesthesiology, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, P.O Box: 419, Dilla, Ethiopia, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: Pandemics like COVID-19 has strained healthcare systems globally, particularly in resource-limited settings where pre-existing healthcare gaps and constraints amplify the challenges faced by pregnant women. Having this lesson on pregnant women’s experiences during COVID-19 offers invaluable insights into potential strategies and interventions needed to mitigate the impact of similar outbreaks in the future. Therefore, this phenomenological study aimed to uncover the experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dilla town, Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia.Method and Materials: A descriptive phenomenological design was employed at Dilla University teaching hospital. A Purposive sampling technique was used and point of data saturation was declared at participant 16th. An in-depth interview was conducted in a private room after they received antenatal care services. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using the open code software version 4.03. The interviews were transcribed verbatim to provide tick descriptions of data. Thematic analysis was employed using an inductive approach. Direct quotes from participants were included without any grammar editing to preserve their intended meaning.Results: Our study found five predominant themes: mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, health impact of COVID-19, concerns over the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 influence on social engagements, and challenge on getting reliable information.Conclusion and Recommendation: This study identified that pregnant women experienced various challenges during the pandemic which includes psychological problems, health impact of COVID-19, economic problems, lack of reliable information and limited social support. Hence, implementing a customized approach by integrating psychosocial interventions with prenatal care services and conducting intensive health education sessions and economic empowerment are beneficial as mitigation strategies to better prepare for future pandemics.Keywords: pandemic, COVID-19, pregnant women, lived experience, resource limited, phenomenological study, Dilla

Keywords

• pandemic
• covid-19
• pregnant women
• lived experience
• resource limited
• phenomenological study
• dilla