Evaluation of Antenatal Care Services During Covid-19 Pandemic in Primary Health Care Centers of Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf City

Abstract

Background:Antenatal care (ANC) is important, served as a platform for vital healthcare roles such as disease prevention, health promotion, screening, and diagnosis. It is possible to improve maternal and fetal health by implementing timely and effective evidence-based practices during ANC rotunie visits. It is alsoused to assist a pregnant woman prepare for birth and motherhood, as well as to prevent, identify, alleviate, or manage the three types of health disorders that might affect mothers and newborns during pregnancy. These health issues include pregnancy complications, preexisting diseases that exacerbate during pregnancy, and the impacts of a poor lifestyle.The essential factors have a significant impact on the quality of ANC services.COVID-19 pandemic was one of the major challenges in providing health services during this time span, and it continues to be so today, particularly in developing countries.Understanding women's perspectives on antenatal care services is especially important for improving service delivery quality and satisfying women's needs and expectations. This study intended to evaluate the perceptions and experiences of antenatal care in a sample of women as part of a comprehensive assessment of maternity care services in Iraq.Methods:A descriptive  analytic survey study was conducted in Primary Health Care Centers at Al-Najaf city for a period from October 2020 to June 2021 the sample was collected using non-probability sample (purposive sample) of (250 ) pregnant women, who were selected by proportional stratified sampling technique from each PHCCs in Al-Najaf city in Iraq.Results: pregnant women satisfaction resulted fairly satisfied (52%),  and the most unsatisfied significant in clinical examination items.Conclusion: The study concluded that covid-19 pandemic affected on provision of Antenatal care services and availability of it.