Exploring the antenatal care challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas of Indonesia: a qualitative study

Publons ID(not set)
Wos IDWOS:000953329900005
Doi10.1186/s12884-023-05495-8
TitleExploring the antenatal care challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas of Indonesia: a qualitative study
First Author
Last Author
AuthorsAnggraeni, MD; Setiyani, R; Triyanto, E; Iskandar, A; Nani, D; Fatoni, A;
Publish DateMAR 16 2023
Journal NameBMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Citation
AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic affected almost all healthcare services in Indonesia, including antenatal care (ANC). Pregnant women were a vulnerable group during the pandemic since the Indonesian government's policies at the time influenced the delivery of ANC services, particularly in rural areas. Investigating the ANC challenges faced during the pandemic from the perspectives of pregnant women and healthcare providers is important for our understanding of ANC provision. This study, therefore explores barriers to ANC appointments faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas of Indonesia from the perspectives of pregnant women and health care providers.MethodsThis was a qualitative exploratory descriptive study involving 31 participants, consisting of 25 pregnant women and six healthcare providers who were selected via a purposive sampling method. Thadeus and Maine's Three Delays Model was used as the theoretical framework. Data were collected between March and August 2021, through two focus group discussions (FGDs), ten in-depth interviews, and field notes. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method.ResultsThree themes describing barriers to ANC during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas of Indonesia emerged from this study. Those themes were: (1) The fear of being infected with COVID-19, related to anxiety, perceived vulnerability, and the desire to protect oneself and loved ones; (2) The stay-at-home policy, related to transport barriers and restricted social activity; and (3) Re-designed ANC services, related to ANC adjustments, high-risk pregnancies, insufficient information, and adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors.ConclusionBased on the Three Delays Model, several challenges to carrying out ANC during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas of Indonesia were identified. These findings demonstrate the need to formulate and implement ANC packages to facilitate pregnant women's access to health care services.
Publish TypeJournal
Publish Year2023
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Issn
Eissn1471-2393
Urlhttps://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000953329900005
AuthorDr. Dr. Ners ENDANG TRIYANTO, S.Kep, M.Kep.
File114962.pdf