Ugandan Pregnant and New Mothers’ Perceptions, Knowledge, and Information Sources on COVID-19 at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed a global challenge since December 2019. This study aimed to explore risk perceptions, knowledge, and information sources among prenatal and postnatal women at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRH) – a group particularly vulnerable to the pandemic's impact. Using a cross-sectional approach, 209 women were surveyed, employing a thematic questionnaire. Data analysis involved coding and input into Epi Info version 7, then exported to SPSS version 22.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized variables: numerical data as means and standard deviations, and categorical data as frequencies and proportions. Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables, with inferential statistics exploring relationships among study variables. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0 conducted all analyses, with significance set at α = 0.05. Prenatal and postnatal women at JRRH perceived a lower risk of contracting or succumbing to COVID-19 compared to influenza, yet many expressed concerns about potential COVID-19 infection. Overall, participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about the disease. Their primary information sources were doctors, nurses/midwives, and television, which they regarded highly. Notably, there was no significant relationship found between perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 and knowledge levels. These findings offer insights to healthcare *adequate knowledge, participants had misconceptions regarding some World Health Organization recommendations. Addressing these misunderstandings is crucial in improving preventive practices among this vulnerable demographic. Keywords: coronavirus disease, risk perceptions, knowledge, women