Exploring factors influencing Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care (EINC) practice amongst COVID-19 suspected mothers: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The practice of Unang Yakap or Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care (EINC) during the COVID-19 pandemic poses a safety concern with regards to a newborn's exposure to their COVID-19 suspected mother.

Objectives: This study aims to describe the experiences of COVID-19-suspected mothers and explore the factors influencing their decision to allow healthcare professionals to practice full EINC. Specifically, it aims to: 1) describe the experiences of mothers prior to, during, and immediately after delivery, and during postpartum care leading to their decision; and 2) explore the factors that influence the participant's decision to practice EINC amidst the pandemic.

Methodology: For this phenomenological case study, online interviews with nine (9) participants were
conducted using a 13-item questionnaire allowing them to describe their experience. Thematic analysis using the inductive and semantic approach was conducted to identify the common themes or factors.

Results: Of the nine (9) participants, five (5) experienced EINC, while four (4) did not. The COVID-19 status and the choice to undergo Unang Yakap were not a causal relationship. Two main influences, mother-related factors and hospital-related factors, were identified and were found to have weight in decision-making. The motherrelated factors include prior knowledge and perception towards EINC, COVID-19 status, personal beliefs, and information from social media, while the hospital-related factors are hospital facilities, hospital protocols, and health care worker (HCW)-patient relationship.

Conclusion: By delineating the different factors that influence mothers' decisions, this study allows for the identification of possible bottlenecks in the practice of EINC, as well as effective and efficient means to encourage its practice.