Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Evidences suggest a significant decline in maternal health service uptake following the coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Ethiopia. However, COVID-19 related factors impacting the service uptake are not
sufficiently addressed. Hence, the current study was intended to explore COVID-19 related factors influencing antenatal care
service uptake in rural Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based qualitative study was conducted from September 25/2020
to November 25/2020 among selected pregnant women residing in rural districts of Bench-Sheko Zone, and healthcare
providers working in the local health care facilities. Six focus group discussions and 9 in-depth interviews were made between
pregnant women, and health care providers, respectively. Data was collected by health education and behavioral science
professionals who also have experience in qualitative data collection procedure. Data were transcribed, translated, and
analyzed thematically using Open Code 4.0 software. Result: The study revealed several COVID-19 related factors influencing
the uptake of antenatal care service during the pandemic. Health facility related barriers, perceived poor quality of care during
the pandemic, government measures against COVID-19, anxiety related to the pandemic, and risk minimization were the
identified factors possibly influencing the current antenatal care service uptake among women in rural Bench-Sheko Zone.
Conclusion: COVID-19 preventive measures, and health facility related factors and individual factors were responsible for
the current decline in antenatal care service uptake. Preserving essential health care service is critical to prevent avoidable
losses of maternal and child lives during the pandemic period. Hence, programs and strategies designed to maintain maternal
health services particularly, antenatal care service have better take the above determinants into consideration.
Keywords
antenatal care, exploring, COVID-19, Southwest, Ethiopia
