The Ccomparison of the content of prenatal care during the CovidCOVID-19 pandemic with the same time last yearone year before the pandemic in Qazvin, Iran: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background. Since prenatal care may have been affected during the covidCOVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to compare the content of prenatal care during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic with the same time lastone year before the pandemic year in Qazvin , Irancity. Methods. This cross-sectional-analytical study was conductedincluded in 2018 and 2019 for 722 pregnant mothers (361 before and 361 during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic) referring to Qazvin health centers in 2018 and 2019. The checklist "Evaluation of Care during Pregnancy" checklist was used to collect information. The information was extracted from the Integrated Health System (known as SIB)Sib system, reporting offices of health centers. SPSS version 25 software was used to analyze the data. Results. The results showed a decrease in the number of prenatal care in all care times during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (P<0.001). The rate of preterm pregnancies increased during the pandemic period (P<0.001). Performing the first round of screening, the first and second rounds of ultrasound and the second round of laboratory tests, respectively decreased by 23.8%percent, 11.1%percent, 13.3% percent (P<0.001), and 7% percent (P=0.004) in the pandemic period (P<0.001). The follow-up rate of referrals also decreased during the pandemic period (P<0.001). Conclusion. The results showed a decrease in the number and content of prenatal care during the COVIDcovid-19 pandemic. Practical Implications. The number and content of prenatal care during the COVIDCovid-19 crisis decreased in this study.Therefore, effective measures should be planned for this reduction and its effects. There is also a need to provide necessary training and preparations to the providers of prenatal care in critical times.