Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and hypertension

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Psychological effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pregnant women with diabetes and hypertension are not yet studied. Besides the pregnancy, these women have additional risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 and are considered a particularly vulnerable, unique population. We aimed to assess their mental health during this pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out at a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Women with pregnancies complicated by hypertension and/or diabetes were evaluated. The primary outcome was anxiety, and depressive symptoms evaluated with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Patient Health Questionnaire. Perception of changing habits during quarantine was evaluated as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included. The prevalence of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory ≥40 was 79.7% and that of Patient Health Questionnaire ≥10 was 59.2%. Lower social support was correlated with higher scores on both scales. Time spent with electronic devices was perceived as greater by 62% of the women. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with diabetes and hypertension presented high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering that these symptoms can affect both the mother's and offspring's health, it is necessary to implement tools to improve their mental health.