Level of Knowledge and Preventive Practices against Covid-19 Pandemic Infection among Pregnant Women Visiting Serbo Health Center, Jimma Town South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Covid-19 infection may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Novel-corona virus is currently a pandemic and public health emergency of international concern, stated globally by the World Health Organization (WHO). Ethiopia has become one of the affected countries as of October 15, 2020. However, the level of knowledge and preventive practice against Covid-19 infection among pregnant women visiting health facilities. Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and preventive practices against Covid-19 pandemic infection among pregnant women visiting Serbo health center, Jimma town southwest Ethiopia. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 232 sampled visitors, from 20–28 October 2020. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit the participants. The study tools were adapted from WHO resources. The data were analysed using statistical package software for social science version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the level of knowledge and preventive practices. Results: Of the 232 respondents, 198(83.0%) knew the main clinical symptoms. 68.5% knew that older people who have chronic illnesses was at high risk of developing a severe form of Covid-19 disease. About 73.3% knew that the virus spread via respiratory droplets of infected people. Only 55(23.7) %) knew that children and young adults had to involve preventive measures. Overall, 63.1% of the visitors had high knowledge. The majority, 170(68.8%), felt self-efficacious to control Covid-19. 207(83.3%) believed that Covid-19 pandemic is a stigmatized disease. Frequent hand washing (73.7%) and avoidance of shaking hands (53.0%) were the dominant practices. Conclusions: The status of knowledge and desirable practices were not sufficient enough to combat this rapidly spreading virus. Risk communication and public education efforts should focus on building an appropriate level of knowledge.