Perceptions on susceptibility to exposure to the COVID-19 virus: A qualitative study on pregnant and non-pregnant adult women, their partners, and healthcare workers in Metro Manila
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v56i16.5713
- Author:
Maria Stephanie Fay S. Cagayan
1
;
Erlidia F. Llamas-Clark
1
;
Basil Stephen S. Cagayan
1
;
Francisco M. Heralde III
1
;
Rodrigo Angelo C. Ong
2
Author Information
1. University of the Philippines Manila
2. University of the Philippines Diliman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Practices;
Women of reproductive age
- MeSH:
Qualitative Research;
Knowledge;
Perception;
COVID-19
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2022;56(16):108-118
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that special populations are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus. There is little information on whether COVID-19 affects women of reproductive age and their fertility, pregnancy status, and offspring give: We aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and perceptions (KPP) on the risk and susceptibility to COVID-19 of women of reproductive age.
Methods:We conducted a qualitative exploratory descriptive study using the triangulation method. The study
consisted of in-depth interviews (IDIs) with women of reproductive age and their spouses, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) with health care professionals (HCP) in University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. We assessed KPP using structured, open-ended interview guides. Interview responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12.
Results:Eighty participants, 20 women of reproductive age, 20 spouses, 20 non-pregnant women, and 20 HCPs
in UP-PGH were included in the study. All participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. Pregnant women
would consult their physicians when they felt symptoms related to COVID-19. Spouses of pregnant women and
non-pregnant women observed health measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Both pregnant and non-pregnant patients with COVID-19 felt shamed and stigmatized while the husbands worried that the exposure to the infection will pose a burden to their families. HCWs provided services through teleconsultation and found it challenging to refer patients to other facilities.
Conclusion:The study provided insights on KPP of women with reproductive-age to COVID-19 and views of HCWs in providing care to these patients during the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 are still detrimental and highly evident from the micro to the macro level.
- Full text:5713-Article Text-79645-1-10-20220915.pdf
