Comparison of psycho-sexual factors and the quality of life between breastfeeding and non- breastfeeding women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study (preprint)

Background According to the increased preponderance of COVID-19 and its possible effects on psychological health and quality of life (QoL), this study aimed to compare the psycho-sexual factors and the QoL between breastfeeding non-breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of 123 breastfeeding and 87 non-breastfeeding women referred to the gynecology clinic of Arash Hospital in Tehran from May to Jun 2020. Depression, anxiety, general health, female sexual dysfunction, QoL, Corona Disease, Anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions were assessed by an appropriate questionnaire.Result The results showed that breastfeeding women had better mental health, sexual function, and QoL (P < 0.001). The mean general health scores in breastfeeding women were significantly lower than in the non-breastfed group (21.92 ± 11.56 vs. 27.75 ± 16.09, P = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in marital satisfaction and Padua inventory between groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis shows that the GHQ score of the BF group was 4.5 units higher than the non-BF group (P = 0.02) and the other variables were not significant.Conclusion This study highlights the effect of breastfeeding on the maternal mental health of mothers, especially in the coronavirus pandemic. It is possible to identify the need for more excellent psychological support in general and particularly in lactating mothers.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review Protocol (preprint)

Background: COVID-19 affects the sexual health and fertility directly (by eliminating the distance between individuals and saliva exchange and also affecting the reproductive system) or indirectly (refusing the sexual intercourse and reducing fertility) and has consequences for couples and society. The present review study will be conducted to investigate the consequences of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health.Methods: The study will investigate the articles published from the onset of the disease in the world until July 30, 2020. To this end, all articles will be extracted and those with the inclusion criteria will be selected by searching on valid scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, SID, and Magiran and using keywords relating to the research purpose. Systematic review articles, letters to the editor-in-chief, abstracts, and clinical trials will be deleted. Articles will be separately evaluated by two researchers. The STROBE checklist will be used to check the quality of the articles.Discussion: The research results will be sent to journals for reviewing systematic articles and will be presented in PROSPERO. Also, this protocol is registered in PROSPERO with number CRD42020212621.The present systematic review will examine the effects of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health in women and men. The research results will be a guide for health planners to help reduce fertility and sexual problems during this period of COVID-19 by providing necessary programs in this regard.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020212621