Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Background : COVID 19 pandemic result in great thread to the public health and by the measures taken to limit viral transmission , a lot of maternal healthcare services had been disrupted .Our research aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on access to maternal health services in Basrah city .method : This is a descriptive retrospective records based study implemented during the period from 1st of March 2019 to 31st of August 2019 (pre-COVID19 ) compared to same months of 2020 (intra-COVID 19). All pregnant women who attended to six chosen primary health care centers in Basrah were included in the study. Results: Comparing 2019 maternal health services indicators with those from 2020, there is reduction about 22% in women in first antenatal visits and 33% in antenatal visits more than one less than four ,49% in visits equal and more than four , postnatal visits by 16% and tetanus toxoid doses by 17% . The greatest reduction occurred in March 2020 then these services utilization surged in July 2020 and decreased again in August .Conclusion:Our results demonstrate negative effects of COVID-19 on maternal health access and a deficient health information system in Basrah.