Beyond covid-19 lockdown policy: The effect of covid-19 lockdown measures on the utilization of maternal and child health services in a rural Nigerian hospital

Background: Numerous countries implemented lockdown policies to contain the spread of COVID-19; however, these measures significantly affected health systems, particularly health service delivery. The study examined the effect of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the utilization of maternal and child health services at a rural Nigerian hospital. Methodology: This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at Sudan United Mission Hospital in Ebonyi State between March and July 2019 and 2020. An explanatory mixed-method approach to data collection was employed, and the data were analyzed using a paired Student’s t-test at a 99% confidence interval and a significance level of 0.01 and blended deductive and inductive content analysis for focus group discussion. Results: The study revealed a 34% reduction in first ANC visits, with 46% and 39% declines for four or more and three or fewer ANC visits, respectively. Hospital deliveries fell by 56%, with 31% and 28% of all deliveries occurring through assisted vaginal delivery and cesarean section, respectively, compared to 15% and 10% before the COVID-19 lockdown. Postnatal visits decreased by 77%, family planning utilization dropped by 94% and childhood immunization saw a 65% decline. Focus group discussions indicated a reduction in the utilization of all services due to the challenges stemming from lockdown measures. Conclusion: The study established a decline in the utilization of maternal and child health services during the lockdown period. It recommends factoring in the potential impact of future containment strategies on the health system and utilizing the lessons learned for future public health interventions.