A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE REGARDING COVID-19 DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH AMONG B.SC (NURSING) STUDENTS IN SELECTED COLLEGE AT VIRUDHUNAGAR

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women do not seem to be at higher risk of getting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, studies have shown an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 if they are infected, compared with non-pregnant women. COVID-19 during pregnancy has also been associated with an increased likelihood of preterm birth. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge regarding pregnancy and childbirth during COVID-19 among B.Sc (Nursing) students. Methods: It was a descriptive study conducted at V.V.Vanniaperumal Nursing College for women in Virudhunagar. The tool consists of Self-structured knowledge questionnaire and it was used to assess the level of knowledge. Quantitative research design and purposive sampling technique was used in this study. Results: It revealed that 95% of B.Sc (Nursing) students had moderately adequate knowledge, 4% of B.Sc (Nursing) students had inadequate knowledge, and 1% of B.Sc (Nursing) students had adequate knowledge. Conclusion: Pregnancy is not much affected by the disease itself but complications may arise in absence of timely care and caution. Both the expecting mother and care-provider should be vigilant and the routine obstetric management should not be delayed due to testing or reports of COVID-19 infection. The study emphasized the need for effective in-service education on pregnancy and child birth during COVID-19.