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Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Health Service Uptake and Perinatal Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

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  • Zemenu Yohannes Kassa

    (Collective for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
    College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia)

  • Vanessa Scarf

    (Collective for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Sabera Turkmani

    (Collective for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Deborah Fox

    (Collective for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a major global public health threat that has impeded health infrastructures in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review examines the impact of COVID-19 on maternal health service uptake and perinatal outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. We searched four databases in August 2020 and updated the search on 22 December 2023: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care, and EMBASE. Data extraction was performed using a standardised Joana Briggs Institute data extraction format for the eligibility of articles, and any discrepancies were solved through discussion and consensus. This systematic review includes 36 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Antenatal care attendance and institutional childbirth significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and home births increased. Fear of contracting the virus, a lack of transport, a shortage of logistic supplies, a lack of personal protective equipment, lockdown policies, economic and food security, stigmatisation of sick persons, long waiting times in the hospital, and health system weakness were barriers to accessing maternity care. The findings of this review showed a significant decrease in antenatal care attendance and institutional birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our findings, we recommend that stakeholders ensure the availability of essential medical supplies in the hospital.

Suggested Citation

  • Zemenu Yohannes Kassa & Vanessa Scarf & Sabera Turkmani & Deborah Fox, 2024. "Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Health Service Uptake and Perinatal Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1188-:d:1472905
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caroline Benski & Daria Di Filippo & Gianmarco Taraschi & Michael R. Reich, 2020. "Guidelines for Pregnancy Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Public Health Conundrum," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, November.
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