Epidemiological description of the risk factors for obstetric emergencies in cross-referral cases at Dr. Soetomo Regional Public Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021

Introduction: Emergency obstetric referrals are crucial for preventing pregnancy complications that may escalate into severe, life-threatening conditions, ultimately resulting in fatalities. The pandemic influenced the obstetric referral system of healthcare services. Specifically, Dr. Soetomo Regional Public Hospital recorded 107 cross-referral cases in 2020 and 58 in 2021 with obstetric risk factors. In this study, we analyze these obstetric emergency cross-referral cases during the pandemic at the hospital. This study aims to provide an epidemiological description of cross-referral cases with risk factors for obstetric emergencies at Dr. Soetomo Regional Public Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021. Methods: An analytical descriptive research design, employing a case study approach, was used to analyze cross-referral cases with risk factors for obstetric emergencies over the pandemic period. The research subjects encompassed all obstetric emergency cross-referral cases at Dr. Soetomo Regional Public Hospital during the pandemic, with a total sampling technique applied to select cases that met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The analysis of emergency obstetric referrals revealed a significant relationship between the patient’s age and their risk factor categories for obstetric emergencies (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the delayed referral phases and the risk factors for obstetric emergencies (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed concerning the need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care. The analysis also demonstrated a significant relationship between obstetric emergencies and birth weight as well as APGAR score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study reveals a compelling relationship between the risk factors for obstetric emergencies and the variables such as age, methods of vaginal delivery, delayed referral phases, birth weights, and APGAR scores during the COVID-19 pandemic.