RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 International survey on fear and childbirth experience in pregnancy and the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic: study protocol
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e050132
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050132
VO 11
IS 8
A1 Lok, Kris Yuet-Wan
A1 Ko, Rachel Wai Tung
A1 Fan, Heidi Sze Lok
A1 Wong, Janet YH
A1 Choi, Edmond PH
A1 Shek, Noel Wan Man
A1 NGAN, Hextan Y S
A1 Tarrant, Marie
A1 Li, Junyan
A1 Huang, Yi-yan
A1 Ouyang, Yan-Qiong
A1 Fong, Daniel Yee Tak
YR 2021
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/8/e050132.abstract
AB Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions around the world. Adding to the existing stress surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, the threat of infection and social isolation policies may negatively impact pregnant women and new mothers. Literature on the effect of COVID-19 on fear during pregnancy and childbirth experience is limited. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the global population, it is important to understand how it has impacted pregnant women and new mothers’ experiences worldwide to inform perinatal care and interventions.Methods and analysis This multicountry study involving China and Canada targets to recruit 1000 pregnant women and new mothers who gave birth since 2020 in each participating country. Participants will be recruited online in the local language through mothers’ groups, antenatal and postnatal clinics and hospital wards. All questionnaires will be completed online. Participants’ level of fear, depression and childbirth experience will be assessed along with other sociodemographic, medical and COVID-related measures. Regression models will be used to compare the outcomes among the participating countries.Ethics and dissemination The study has been reviewed and approved by the institutional review boards of the participating countries. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences. Results from this study may guide the formulation of future health guidelines and policies in the face of a pandemic.