Lived experiences of women infected with Covid-19 during pregnancy at Mulago National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in all aspects of their lives. Infected pregnant women may have a traumatic experience, however little is known about their experiences. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of women infected with COVID-19 at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants that had been infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using the content latent analysis. Results: Four main themes were formed from data analysis which included psychological stress upon COVID-19 diagnosis, the COVID-19 experience during hospitalization, coping with COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 discharge experience that lined with the research objectives. Most participants reported distressing emotions such as disbelief, fear of death, uncertainty, worry, and anxiety among others upon COVID-19 diagnosis. Reacting to their then pregnancy state, most women narrated similar possibilities of miscarriage, dying with their unborn babies, giving birth to abnormal babies and babies with congenital COVID-19. This was greatly due to a lot of unfiltered information in the first waves of the pandemic. Participants were grateful for the care extended to by the health care team as they encouraged their well-being throughout their admission until discharge. However, they reported boredom and loneliness during their hospital stay which was linked to the COVID-19 management protocol characterized by isolation with no visits from the care takers and limited patient-provider interaction. Furthermore, participants copied with anxiety and stress associated with COVID-19 in different ways which included finding peace and hope through prayer, support from close family, friends via social media platforms, and health care team, and also through self-hope. Other developed self-awareness like consolation, self-hope and being patient. Most participants reported a challenging COVID-19 post-discharge experience characterized by stigma from the community and self-isolation despite being well and healed at the time of discharge. Conclusion: Participants narrated different negative emotions and mental distress from diagnosis and as survivors due the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a belief and support system is necessary to coping among patients especially in the pandemic periods that create uncertainty and anxiety. Most of the participants reported spiritualism, while others relied on the support of family and friends, health care team and self-belief as coping resources. Patients showed gratitude for the care received from the health care team. Stigma and self-isolation were challenges faced by participants after being discharged. As such, mental health is a main concern in the pandemic and should be promoted in the management of pregnant patients.