COVID-19 preventive practices and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The world is facing the coronavirus pandemic named Corona Virus Disease-19, which is highly contagious and caused by the newly emerged novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization has recommended several preventive measures to control its spread. However, the extent to which pregnant women in Mekelle, Tigray, practice these preventive measures remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care services. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 354 pregnant women attending Antenatal Care in Mekelle. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. After data cleaning and coding in EpiData version 3.1, analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable model. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: Out of 354 participants, 337 responded, yielding a response rate of 95.2%. Only 21.1% of respondents demonstrated good practice of COVID-19 preventive measures. Factors significantly associated with good practice included attending a third ANC visit (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.09–7.33), having adequate knowledge of COVID-19 transmission (AOR = 3.66; 95% CI: 1.62–8.23), and having adequate knowledge of preventive measures (AOR = 33.88; 95% CI: 7.51–152.89). CONCLUSION: The level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among pregnant women in Mekelle was low. Key determinants of good preventive practices included ANC follow-up frequency and knowledge of COVID-19 transmission and prevention. Strengthening health education during ANC visits is recommended to improve awareness and practice among pregnant women.