Perception of Pregnant Mothers About Their Psychological Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affects the mental health of pregnant mothers. Therefore, it was imperative to assess their psychological well-being from their perception. Objective. This study aimed to understand pregnant mothers' perceptions of their psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive study design with a phenomenology approach was conducted on 22 mothers who were pregnant. The study was conducted at community health centers in Tangerang, Indonesia, from July to August 2022. In-depth interviews were performed to obtain their perception of psychological well-being during pregnancy. Interviews were conducted face to face, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed with a qualitative matrix and thematic analysis to develop major themes and subthemes. The initial findings revealed 273 codes, which were then reduced to 146 codes, 85 sub-categories, 24 categories, and six themes. The themes were related to pregnant mothers' perceptions of psychological well-being during COVID-19, i.e., awareness of psychological health, prevention of COVID-19 transmission, stress management, psychosocial support programs, integration of physical and psychological care, and strengthening mother empowerment. This research found pregnant mothers' perception of psychological well-being based on their knowledge, how they perceived pregnancy, and their hope for the future. The Pregnant mother's perception was necessary to develop psychological-based care to improve the psychological well-being of pregnant women. The health worker can deliver the care individually or in groups of pregnant women. Psychological well-being needs to be promoted to support maternal health during pregnancy.