PERCEPTION OF THE PREGNANT PATIENT ON THE ATTENDANCE TO PRENATAL CHECKS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Introduction: In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance at prenatal check-ups by pregnant patients has been a matter of concern, which is why it is necessary to know their perception in order to attend health establishments or not. Objective: To describe the perception of the pregnant patient about attendance at prenatal check-ups during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Method: Qualitative, phenomenological, descriptive, cross-sectional field study, conducting semi-structured interviews taking into account the perspective of pregnant women in the community of Salcedo - Ecuador, keeping the principles of autonomy, respect and confidentiality of information, analyzing the results through the methodology of Demaziére D. and Dubar C. Results: It was evidenced that there is a significant non-compliance with prenatal check-ups since the beginning of the pandemic, due to fear, fear, and concern about being infected at the time of attendance. Likewise, there are different opinions about the care provided by health professionals, both public and private, highlighting the feminine nature of care by blood relatives, such as sisters or grandmothers, taking preventive behaviors to avoid getting infected and being available to care the pregnant for others. Conclusions: The pregnant women expressed different emotions, feelings and thoughts, such as: fear, trepidation, concern, frustration, stress, depression, among others, which have influenced in a representative way the decision to attend or not to prenatal check-ups, assuming the risk of contagion and complications in pregnancy. Non-attendance at prenatal check-ups since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has become more regular as time has passed.