Perceived Fear and Preventive Behaviors of Pregnant Women during COVID-19 Pandemic in Western Nepal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The perceived fear of COVID-19 is expected to have a significant positive impact on preventive behaviors as it triggers people to prevent themselves against threats. People take necessary actions to engage in preventive behaviors if they perceive high fear of transmission of disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to find out the perceived fear and preventive behaviors of pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and fifty normal pregnant women attending Antenatal Checkup (ANC) out-patient department and ward of Universal College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UCMSTH), Rupandehi were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for analysis with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 16.

RESULTS: The study findings revealed that more than half of the respondents had high level of fear regarding COVID-19. Although participants were largely engaged in all preventive behaviors like wearing facemask, hand washing, covering nose and mouth, cleaning and disinfecting and maintaining healthy diet, while maintaining social distance, avoiding public transport, avoiding crowd, exercising regularly and quitting tobacco and alcohol were the least. There was positive correlation between perceived fear and preventive behaviors although it was not proved significantly.

CONCLUSION: The study findings concluded that more than half of the respondents had high level of fear regarding COVID-19. Adequate counseling and reassurance of these pregnant women in the current scenario might reduce their fears and increase the probability of adapting preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19.