Pregnant women's adherence to COVID-19 prevention practice and associated factors in Jinka Town, South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, a community based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Pregnancy-related coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission and infection rates have continued to be a top public health concern. Pregnant mothers also have a higher risk of developing serious illness, needing to be admitted to an intensive care unit, and needing mechanical ventilation. More than six million people died as a result of COVID-19 worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive practice among pregnant mothers in Jinka Town. Methods In Jinka, South Omo Zone, between January 1 and January 30, 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Using a simple random sampling technique, 412 pregnant women were selected. Data were collected using a face-to-face interviewer-administered, pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered using Epi-data version 3.1, and after being exported, were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify relevant components. An adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval were used to report the relationship between the covariates and the outcome variable. Results The percentage of participants who adhered to COVID-19 prevention measures was only 11.4% (95% CI: 8.5, 14.8). Mothers with at least a bachelor’s degree 3.71 (AOR=3.71, 95% CI=1.28, 10.73), a residency of 4.40 (AOR=4.40, 95% CI=1.96, 9.87), and a history of chronic illness of 4.30 (AOR=4.30, 95% CI=1.69, 10.93) were significantly associated with good adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices. Conclusions Only a very small percentage of pregnant women, according to this poll, adhere to COVID-19 preventative practices. In order to raise pregnant women’s awareness of COVID-19 preventive practices, it is crucial to use a variety of media for health education. Further, it is preferable to focus on urban living and give special attention to women without a formal education.