Screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection in women prepared for elective Cesarean Section: A tertiary hospital study

Naz Mohammed  Ahmed; Shahla Kareem  Alalaf

doi:10.56056/amj.2023.228

Authors

Naz Mohammed Ahmed Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Shahla Kareem Alalaf Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan region, Erbil city, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56056/amj.2023.228

Keywords:

Cesarean section, PCR, Pregnant women, SARS-CoV-2, Socio-demographic

Abstract

Background and objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major concern as universal testing should be undertaken to pregnant women due to the high danger of transmission from a pregnant woman to her newborn. This study was conducted to report the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in women admitted to hospital for purpose of preparation for elective cesarean section and to find out their risk factors and any histories of the infection previously.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 1000 on late third trimester pregnant women whom were prepared for elective cesarean section at department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erbil-Iraq from 1^st Aug 2021 till 30^th Jul 2022, History of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and current signs and symptoms of the infection were recorded. All women underwent SARS-CoV-2 infection screening using nasal and throat swabs using polymerase chain reaction procedure.

Results: Only (21.2%) of them were positive for the virus. There was a significant association between the current confirmed polymerase chain test with education, being a smoker, and all known signs and symptoms of the infection, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. When the clinical and social characteristics of women with low-risk and high-risk pregnancies were compared, there was a strong link between education, smoking, and loss of taste.

Conclusion: Pregnant women may be advised to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 before cesarean section as almost one-quarter of participant were positive for the infection regardless of having sign and symptoms or not.

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