UPTAKE OF REPRODUCTIVE, MATERNAL AND NEWBORN HEALTH IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN KENYA

Abstract

Abstract Background The outbreak of COVID 19 in 2019 lead to destabilization of all sectors globally including access to health care. The strain on the health care system as a result of the disease outbreak led to a shift in operations in the health care system. Maternal and neonatal care was affected as women and their families could not freely access health care owing to the restrictions to curb the spread of COVID 19. This led to a risk of a reversal in the gains made in maternal and neonatal health, prompting the need to strengthen community midwifery. Aim The aim of this study was to strengthen community reproductive, maternal and newborn health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Materials and methods This is part of an interventional study that sought to strengthen community maternal and neonatal health services. A baseline survey was conducted to assess the uptake of reproductive, maternal and neonatal care services in one sub-county in Kilifi and Kitui, where five wards in each sub-county were selected. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The sample size for the two Counties was 414. Results There was a total of 378 respondents mostly comprising a rural population 75.7% (n=286). Outpatient and COVID 19 services (tests and vaccine) were most sought 37.5% (n= 137) and 29.9% (n=109) respectively. Antenatal care services were sought by 26% (n=95) of the respondents, postnatal care 9% (n=33) and skilled birth attendance 8.8% (n=32). Conclusion The most utilized health facility services were outpatient and COVID 19 services. Antenatal care was also sought, however skilled birth attendance and postnatal care services were least sought.