Depression, anxiety and stress among COVID positive pregnant women

Authors

  • Simi Kurian Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6202-9285
  • Ajith S. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India
  • Malini Raghavan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20210735

Keywords:

Anxiety, Covid, Cross sectional, DASS 21, Depression, Pregnancy, Stress, Questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Impact of the news that patient is covid positive may increase the risk of depression and anxiety among the vulnerable population such as pregnant women. Aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among covid positive pregnant women. To evaluate the demographic and obstetric factors contributing to the psychological manifestations in covid positive pregnant women.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary hospital of North Kerala from July to August 2020. The demographic and factors were recorded and DASS 21 self-reported questionnaire was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress.

Results: We found that using the DASS 21 scoring system, 37.5% out of the 120 study subjects were having psychological symptoms either of depression, anxiety or stress. Depression was seen in 32 (26.7%), anxiety in 29 (24.2%) and stress in 14 (11.7%) of the study participants. The psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety were more pronounced in those with low education, unemployed and in the first and third trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusions: The current study shows that COVID-19 positive pregnant women have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. Our findings can be used to formulate psychological interventions to improve mental health and psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Biography

Simi Kurian, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Kannur, Kerala, India

Associate Professor

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Govt Medical College, Kannur

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Published

2021-02-24

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Original Research Articles