TITLE:
Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Prenatal Consultations for Pathological Pregnancies at the Maternity Unit of Abass Ndao Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
AUTHORS:
Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye, Djiby Sow, Nogaye Dieye, El Hadji Gueye, Boubacar Gueye, Alioune Badara Tall, Papa Gallo Sow, Oumar Sidibe, Ousseynou Ka
KEYWORDS:
Pandemic, Covid-19, Pathological Pregnancy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.12 No.4,
November
10,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in health systems. The objective was to assess the effect of Covid-19 on the frequency of prenatal consultations (PNCs) for pathological pregnancies at the Abass NDAO Hospital Centre. Materials and Methods: This was primarily a retrospective study conducted at the Abass NDAO Hospital maternity ward. The target was the medical records of women followed for a pathological pregnancy at maternity from July 2019 to November 2020. Second, the department’s qualified staffs were asked about their experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic. Data collection was carried out between October 2021 and February 2022. Results: A total of 690 prenatal charts for pathological pregnancy were collected: 375 (54%) before the pandemic compared to 315 during Covid-19 (46%). The average age of women was 28.15 years. The age group 25 and 35 was the most represented (36.81%). Reasons for consultation were dominated by threats of premature delivery (51%), followed by severe pre-eclampsia (14%) and premature membrane rupture (11%), respectively. The frequency of prenatal consultations (PNCs) was inversely related to pandemic dynamics and significant monthly variations were observed. Qualified health personnel were midwives (71.40%) and gynecologists (28.60%). During the pandemic, more than the majority of staff (67%) worked 3 days a week, and 24% of health workers 5 days. The majority of staff (60%) reported experiencing overwork during the pandemic. Non-compliance with consultation days was noted in 38% of health providers. Protective equipment was not provided to 14% of the staff. Staff difficulties during prenatal consultations were fear of occupational exposure (12%) and patient reluctance (88%). Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic is having a major impact on prenatal consultations for pathological pregnancies at Abass NDAO Hospital. Effective measures must be taken to avoid the consequences of maternal mortality and the functioning of the structure.