Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. Few studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to pregnancy during the pandemic. This study investigated the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19 among pregnant women in an urban community in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand from July– August 2021. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to COVID-19, and a Spearman’s analysis tested correlations between KAP scores. Results: A total of 150 pregnancy survey responses were received. Most participants were third trimester (27– 40weeks gestation; 68.0%). Pregnancy had never been risked contracting COVID-19 (84.7%). Most expressed concerns about being infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy and following birth (94.0 and 70.0%, respectively). The results of binary logistic regression analysis found associations between knowledge and marital status (OR=4.983, 95%CI 1.894–13.107). In addition, having a bachelor’s degree or higher was associated with higher attitude scores (OR=2.733, 95%CI 1.045–7.149), as was being aged 26–30 (OR=2.413 95%CI 0.882–6.602) and 31–35 years of age (OR=2.518–2.664, 95%CI 0.841–8.442). Higher practice scores were associated with having a bachelor’s degree or higher (OR=2.285 95%CI 1.110–6.146), and income ≥15,001 bath (OR=4.747 95%CI 1.588–14.192). Correlation analysis found a weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (r=0.210, p-value=0.01). Conclusion: Participants overall had high KAP scores. This study can guide public health strategies regarding pregnant women and COVID-19. We recommend that interventions to improve and attitude and practice scores. Knowledge on pregnancy and COVID-19 should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of patients as well as the promotion of preventive practices.