Depression among Jordanian women during pregnancy in COVID-19: Role of social support

Abstract

<b>Aims:</b> To describe the level of depression and social support experienced by pregnant Jordanian women and assess the role of support and other factors on depression level among a sample of Jordanian women during pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.<br /> <b>Method</b>: The study invitation and link to an online survey were shared during November 2021 via social media and through word of mouth. A convenience sample of 434 pregnant women completed the study questionnaire, which included questions on their COVID-19 status, demographics, depression, and social. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale (CES-D).<br /> <b>Results</b>: The prevalence of depression among women during pregnancy was 28.3%. The mean of depression score among women during pregnancy was 24.3±4.4. The prevalence of social support among women during pregnancy were (63%). The mean social support score among the participants was 39.3±9.1. Factors associated with a higher depression score included not get influenza vaccination, not having insurance, described life as poor, having pressure, and not having social support.<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> This is a national study among women during pregnancy in Jordan. The study found that people who took influenza vaccination, having insurance, described life as poor, and having pressure, they experience more depression than other people. Moreover, our study found as social support increased, the depression decreased.

Postnatal depression and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic among Arab women in Jordan and the United States: A comparative study

“…Various studies have linked the COVID-19 pandemic with several psychological stressors that severely affect individuals physiological and psychologically [1][2][3]. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the closure of education institutions, separation from loved ones, social isolation and social distancing interventions, disruption of routines, and health threats [4][5][6]. As a result, psychological interventions play an essential role in the process of patient management or pandemic adjustment programs within communities that have been most affected cannot be ignored [7].…”

“…Conversely, depression during postnatal period's impact on neonates and infants manifests as reduced anthropometric measurements, disruptions in sleep patterns, and delayed in motor and cognitive development [5]. Although infrequent, the presence of suicidal thoughts among women with depression during postnatal period raises considerable concern [6].…”

“…Besides, the thought of protection mechanisms such as social support are important in dealing with the pandemic, mainly when it causes depression among women [19]. According to [6], many women in Jordan were suffering from decrease of the social support from the families in response to the quarantine and social distancing because of the pandemic. According to [20], the coping mechanisms that students use to deal with depression and anxiety caused by the disease include seeking support from others or assisting themselves by using negative or positive mechanisms such as disregarding the COVID-19 pandemic related news, spiritual methods, meditation, and breathing exercises.…”