Attitudes and precaution practices towards COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity, education, front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general, high risk). RESULTS: A total of 167 survey responses were obtained over 8 weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n = 127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n = 91), attained tertiary education (62%, n = 104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home. CONCLUSION: Social demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental well being. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-020-03378-w.