Ảnh hưởng của COVID-19 đến sử dụng dịch vụ công chăm sóc thai sản tại 4 tỉnh miền nam Việt Nam năm 2020-2021

This study aims to investigate the changing patterns of pregnancy complications and maternity care service utilization in Southern Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to February 2022. A retrospective cohort study was conducted by using secondary data from The District Health Information Software, a reporting platform operated by the Vietnam Ministry of Health. Results show that COVID-19 had a great impact to the utilization of the inpatient maternity care services, whereas the outpatient maternity care services were marginally affected. The percentage of women or infants receiving care one week after delivery in the third and fourth COVID-19 wave declined dramatically. During the second and third waves, the prevalence of pregnancy complications showed a clear upward trend but then decreased slightly in the fourth wave, after the COVID-19 vaccine was released. Introducing COVID-19 vaccine showed a positive effect on the reduction of pregnancy complications. This study emphasizes the need of strengthening the health system's preparedness capability to cope with the pandemic and future disasters.