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Pregnancy and COVID-19 Pandemic Perception in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Sharifah Aminah Syed Anwar Aly

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Cheras 56000, Malaysia)

  • Rahana Abdul Rahman

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Cheras 56000, Malaysia)

  • Shalisah Sharip

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Cheras 56000, Malaysia)

  • Shamsul Azhar Shah

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Cheras 56000, Malaysia)

  • Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Cheras 56000, Malaysia)

  • Aida Kalok

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Cheras 56000, Malaysia)

Abstract

Pregnant women are susceptible to COVID-19 complications due to gestation-related physiological changes. We aimed to evaluate the level of maternal knowledge, perception, and practice during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO) between April and June 2020. A self-administered electronic questionnaire that included the knowledge and practice domains was distributed. A newly designed set of questions was used to evaluate (1) women’s perception of MCO and (2) maternal experience, which was subdivided into clinical care provision and maternal anxiety. The survey response rate was 93% with the final number for analysis of 415. The majority of women (95%) demonstrated an adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19, whilst 99% had a good practice. We found that tertiary education ( p < 0.001), employment status ( p = 0.03), higher household income ( p < 0.001), and multiple sources of information ( p < 0.001) were independent predictors of adequate maternal knowledge on COVID-19. Women with adequate knowledge also reported a more positive perception of MCO ( p < 0.001) and better obstetric care experience ( p = 0.037), as did those of Malay ethnicity. Younger ( p < 0.001) and nulliparous ( p = 0.01) women demonstrated greater anxiety levels. The majority of our women reported good practice and adequate knowledge, which contributed to a positive perception of MCO and better maternal obstetric experience. First-time mothers may benefit from extra support and reassurance during the pandemic to alleviate maternal anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharifah Aminah Syed Anwar Aly & Rahana Abdul Rahman & Shalisah Sharip & Shamsul Azhar Shah & Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy & Aida Kalok, 2021. "Pregnancy and COVID-19 Pandemic Perception in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5762-:d:563468
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chee Tao Chang & Ming Lee & Jason Choong Yin Lee & Nicholas Chor Teng Lee & Tsu Yin Ng & Asrul Akmal Shafie & Kah Shuen Thong, 2021. "Public KAP towards COVID-19 and Antibiotics Resistance: A Malaysian Survey of Knowledge and Awareness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Aida Kalok & Shalisah Sharip & Abdul Muzhill Abdul Hafizz & Zulkifli Md Zainuddin & Mohamad Nasir Shafiee, 2020. "The Psychological Impact of Movement Restriction during the COVID-19 Outbreak on Clinical Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-13, November.
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    1. Nur Rowaidah Roslan & Mohd Fadhli Mohd Fauzi & Lim Wan Teng & Abdul Ghani Nur Azurah, 2021. "Maternal Mental Health following Ultrasonographic Detection of Fetal Structural Anomaly in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-12, December.

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