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

  • Maria Stephani Fay S. Cagayan University of the Philippines Manila
  • Erlidia F. Llamas-Clark University of the Philippines Manila
  • Basil Stephen S. Cagayan University of the Philippines Manila
  • Francisco M. Heralde III University of the Philippines Manila
  • Rodrigo Angelo C. Ong University of the Philippines Diliman
Keywords: qualitative research, knowledge, practices, perception, women of reproductive age, COVID-19

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.

Published
2022-09-15
How to Cite
1.
Cagayan MSFS, Llamas-Clark EF, Cagayan BSS, Heralde III FM, Ong RAC. 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. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2022Sep.15 [cited 2024Mar.28];56(16). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/5713

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