Corona virus (COVID-19) infection: Perception based practices and obstacles of prevention among mothers in a rural area

Abstract

Background: The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic is considered a major public health problem all over the world. The aim of this work was to identify the perception, practice of mothers in a rural area for prevention of COVID-19 infection and barriers facing them when dealing with this pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 mothers who were approached by convenience sampling using a self-administered questionnaire and direct interviewing for illiterate participants. Results: A statistically significant association was found regarding the family income also between total attitude score and educational level. All the women who had enough income and spare had good total knowledge level. The majority of female were exposed to difficulties for providing main needs and less than 50% reported that they have no sufficient income if there were reapplying restrictions. Majority of the studied mothers had increased stress on old people due to infection prevention restrictions. More than 50% reported failure in providing sufficient children care, about two thirds reported that they discovered hidden characteristics in her family members. Most of the studied mother's income was affected during COVID-19 pandemic. About three quarters of females reported facing education problems and refusal of prevention measures. There was significant positive correlation between attitude and practice. Conclusions: The mothers' work negatively affected their ability to help their family against COVID-19. The majority of females were exposed to difficulties for providing main needs and suffered from the increased stress on old people of their family due to infection prevention restrictions.