ALTHOUGH a high proportion of pregnant women in Nigeria have the knowledge of COVID-19 infection, at least 70 per cent of them do not adhere to its preventive measures such as regular hand washing with soap and water to avoid the infection, a study has said.The preventive measures included regular hand washing with water and soap, social distancing, covering hand and mouth while coughing and avoiding contact with eyes, nose and mouth.
According to the study, many of the women also had inadequate knowledge of what to do on suspicion of any coronavirus infection. Fifty-seven (20.1 per cent) women said they would stay at home; 15.8 per cent reported that they would wear face masks while 4.2 per cent reported that they would inform their health care provider in advance before a visit to the hospital.
Seventy-six (26.8 per cent) participants stated that they practiced frequent hand washing with soap and water while 20.4 per cent informed that they usually observed social distancing.
Avoidance of eyes, nose and mouth contact with the hands was reportedly practiced by 21.5 per cent, whereas 32.7 per cent of the participants used face masks in public.
Similarly, women residing in rural settlements were nine times more likely to have inadequate knowledge of preventive measures when compared with participants living in urban areas.
Also, women who were artisans were about thrice more likely to have inadequate knowledge of preventive measures.
Coronavirus disease pandemic has resulted in the death of thousands of people across several countries. Currently, the effect of coronavirus infection in pregnancy is not well described. It is important that vulnerable populations such as pregnant women be protected from the infection.
source: Tribune
