Perinatal anxiety and depression amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy and COVID-19 increase risk of mental health conditions. Stress of pregnancy, childbirth and uncertainty about the global pandemic can negatively impact the obstetric population. Objective: To study the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in terms of anxiety and depression (Point Prevalence) in antenatal and postnatal mothers using the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale) scale and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)-7 scale at Dubai Hospital. Study design: Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Results: Of the 784 women approached, 438 gave consent to participate in our survey, 43.6% of the women screened positive for depression by EDPS scale with cutoff of 10 or more as significant. 42% of the women had GAD-7 score 5 or more indicating anxiety. 32.4% of the women had both anxiety and depression. 7.5% had considered self-harm in last 14 days. 15% had COVID-19 during this pregnancy. The 11.87% who had COVID-19, but prior to the pregnancy, had a higher mean EDPS and GAD-7 score than others. Surprisingly, the women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy had statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower EDPS and lower GAD-7 score. University graduates had significantly (p < 0.05) higher EDPS and GAD scores. Women of middle eastern ethnicity (50% positivefor depression and 48.5% positive for anxiety) were more prone to depression and anxiety compared to South Asian (29% positive for depression and 25.2% positive for anxiety) and African women (39.6% positive for depression and 43.4% positive for anxiety). There was no statistically significant difference between antenatal and postnatal patient for prevalence of anxiety or depression. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety in pregnant and postnatal women. Women who were more concerned about effects of pandemic had higher mean EDPS and GAD scores. Additional psychological support to women is necessary during the pandemic for maternal perinatal wellbeing.