EFFECTS OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC ON PREGNANT PSYCHOLOGY

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND PREGNANT PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many countries from different aspects since December 2019. The present study aims to determine the frequency of prenatal depression risk and anxiety and associated risk factors in pregnant women as a vulnerable group in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 234 pregnant women selected by cluster sampling method from all Primary Care Outpatient Clinics in Nigde. After ethics committee approval and institution permission was obtained, the data were collected online using the "Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale", "State and Trait Anxiety Index (STAI)" and a sociodemographic questionnaire.

Results: In the present study, the frequency of prenatal depression risk was 24.4%. The median value of the STAI trait score was 41 (23-74), and the median value of the STAI state was 34 (20-80). Prenatal depression risk was associated with job loss (OR: 2.68), multiple pregnancies (OR: 15.31), high COVID-19 perceived risk score (OR: 1.14), and high STAI state score (OR: 1.10) ) (p <0.05). Prenatal anxiety was associated with being a healthcare worker (OR: 11.66), smoking (OR: 17.21), having health problems during last pregnancy (OR: 3.74), thought of the people living with her at risk (OR: 2.48), and being depressed (OR: 4.73) (p <0.05).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 Pandemic has been increasing the prevalence of depression risk and anxiety in pregnant women. It is essential to continue routine visits to healthcare centers taking necessary preventive measures and to provide psychosocial support to pregnant women.