Conceptualizing the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Pregnant and Lactating Women, Male Community Members, and Health Workers in Kenya

Abstract

Pregnant women are at greater risk of adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several factors which can influence the ways in which pregnant women perceive COVID-19 disease and behaviorally respond to the pandemic. This study seeks to understand how three key audiences—pregnant and lactating women (PLW), male community members, and health workers—in Kenya conceptualize COVID-19 to better understand determinants of COVID-19 related behaviors. This study used qualitative methods to conduct 84 in-depth interviews in three counties in Kenya. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Emerging themes were organized based on common behavioral constructs thought to influence COVID-19 related behaviors and included myths, risk perception, economic implications, stigma, and self-efficacy. Results suggest that risk perception and behavioral attitudes substantially influence the experiences of PLW, male community members, and health workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health prevention and communication responses targeting these groups should address potential barriers to preventive health behaviors, such as the spread of misinformation, financial constraints, and fear of social ostracization.

Challenges Faced by Mothers Practicing Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in a Resource-Limited Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights From the Voices of Mothers of Preterm Babies and Their Suggested Solutions

“…24 Family support can help to reduce the burden on mothers and ensure that they have the necessary support to practice KMC effectively during Covid-19.To ensure the effectiveness of this support, it is essential to debunk myths surrounding Covid-19, such as the unfounded belief that it is a creation of the government and the misconception that it is not a reality among men, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. 15 It is worthwhile noting the shift of concerns of the mothers from a prior study where mothers recommended for provision of entertainment, review meal time and having a healthcare workers in the KMC room as interventions to improve practice of KMC prior to Covid-19. 24…”

“…13,14 Partners and family members often play a big role in decision-making regarding KMC. 8 Even though studies done at the community level among men, pregnant and lactating mothers as well as health care workers reported myths including ideation that Covid-19 did not exist and was a creation of the government 15 with another reporting low Covid-19 risk perception 16 the role of partner support on the influence of KMC at the institutional level cannot be overlooked.…”

Effect of psychological care on the prenatal mental state and vaginal delivery in pregnant women during the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic

“…[9] The intervention emphasized the participation of women's families in the intervention process, working with nursing staff to relieve negative emotions in pregnant women to improve the quality of delivery. [10][11][12][13][14] The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of psychological care based on behavioral change theory on the prenatal mental state of pregnant women and vaginal delivery during the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic.…”

“…[9] The intervention emphasized the participation of women’s families in the intervention process, working with nursing staff to relieve negative emotions in pregnant women to improve the quality of delivery. [10–14]…”

“I was having an internal conflict with myself.” COVID-19 vaccination decision-making processes among pregnant women

“…Health professionals interviewed in this study expressed similar concerns and myths to pregnant individuals, highlighting the need to develop a supportive and educated health workforce as a key player in the vaccine decision-making process for pregnant persons. 28 This study employs the precaution adoption process model (PAPM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to understanding pregnant women's decision-making process around COVID-19 vaccination, drawing from the work of Shapiro et al 29 (see Figure 1). PAPM identifies six stages an individual might navigate as they make decisions to take precautionary action.…”