The Implementation of Integrated Antenatal Care (ANC) in Primary Health Centers in Semarang during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Suryani Yuliyanti- Aulia Putri Amartiwi- Aflikh Nailiya Azari- Abdul Jalil- Rahmi- Turi Setyawati

Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Jl. Kaligawe Raya Km 4, Genuk Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, (Antenatal care) ANC visits at several health facilities decreased, and it is worsened by a limited health provider and service time, potentially an obstacle to integrated ANC implementation. ANC is essential for pregnant women in addition to preventing complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Objectives: To determine the impact of COVID-19 on antenatal care provision at Primary Health Care (PHC/Puskesmas) facilities and identify relevant factors.

Methods: The study was conducted between May and June 2021 at two PHCs in Semarang. The research method was cross-sectional, and the data was collected from the electronic medical record system. Fischer^s exact test and Chi-Square were used for data analysis. Additionally, we conducted interviews with the PHC staff to identify factors that influence ANC visits.

Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of the integrated antenatal program at the two PHCs in Semarang remained consistent with the period before the pandemic. However, there some changes observed in the prescription of Fe tablets, which increased from 55% to 70% in the two PHCs. Additionally, a decline was observed in the number of new patients (from 22.5% to 17.5%), the number of Hb examinations (from 52.5% to 35%), the incidence of anemia, and consultations with doctors (from 10% to 2.5%). The reduction in ANC visits during the COVID-19 pandemic was in accordance with the regulation implemented to limit the number of patients and the duration of health services.

Conclusions: Special attention is needed to the impact of reduced adherence to integrated ANC during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the growth and development of infants born during this time.

Keywords: Achievement of ANC Target Management, COVID-19 Pandemic

Topic: Maternal and child health