The effect of COVID-19 on women's experiences of pregnancy, birth and postpartum in Indonesia: a rapid online survey.

BACKGROUND: The interrelationship of psychological and social factors in the current COVID-19 pandemic has been highlighted in research mainly focused on the global north. The impact of lockdowns can exacerbate psychological distress and affect access to services. Less is known about the psychosocial impact on women in the context of lower-middle income countries (LMICs); the aim of this study was to capture the impact of COVID-19 on women's experiences of pregnancy, birth and postpartum in Indonesia. METHODS: We conducted a rapid cross-sectional online survey of women across all 34 provinces in Indonesia to capture participants' experiences. Data were collected between 10th July to 9th August 2020 including demographics, effects on general and mental health and impact on service use. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse responses, including those women who self-identified with a pre-existing mental health problem. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 1137 women, this included pregnant women (n = 842) and postpartum women (n = 295). The majority of women (97%) had accessed antenatal care during their pregnancy, but 84% of women reporting feeling fearful and anxious about attending visits, resulting in some women not attending or changing provider. A small number (13%) were denied the presence of a birth companion, with 28% of women reporting that their babies had been removed at birth due to protocols or baby's health. Feeling anxious was a common experience among women (62%) during their pregnancy, birth or postnatal period, with a small number (9%) feeling depressed. Lockdown measures led to tensions within personal and family relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Women in Indonesia reported that the pandemic added an increased burden in pregnancy, birth and post-partum period: physically, psychologically, spiritually and financially. Maternity services were disrupted and health insurance cover lacked responsiveness, which either directly or indirectly impacted on women's choices, and equal access to care. Given the longevity of the current pandemic there is a need to develop tailored supportive interventions for women and their families and develop bespoke training for midwives and other relevant health professionals.

Indonesian adolescents' experiences during pregnancy and early parenthood: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: This study explored Indonesian adolescents' experiences of (premarital-conceived) pregnancy and early parenthood. The findings provide insight into participants' journeys with a central thread of culture and religion running through them. METHODS: Using an exploratory qualitative approach, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit 20 participants. Overall, 36 one-to-one, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach and coauthors confirmed the credibility of the analytical process. FINDINGS: Cultural and religious ideologies about premarital sex strongly influenced government policies, social practices and unwritten social ideology, norms, values and behavior. Pre-marital pregnancy was socially unacceptable. Access to education and work was limited. Participants were nurtured by their parents with emotional, financial and nutritional support if they complied to marry and adopt socially acceptable roles. Adolescent males overwhelmingly wanted to undertake their responsibilities whilst the distress for females was overwhelming. Spirituality provided participants a way to manage their distress, seek forgiveness and develop transformational self-belief. CONCLUSION: Indonesian adolescents and young parents' experiences revealed the powerful influence of cultural and religion upon policy and social structure. The study shows a unique insight into the influence of spirituality and the compliant and nurturing behavior within a family structure.