The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Perinatal Depression and Anxiety: A Large Cross-sectional Study in Spain.
Psicothema
; 34(2): 200-208, 2022 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1835640
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The current COVID-19 pandemic is a unique stressor with potentially negative consequences for pregnant and postpartum women. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal depression and anxiety in Spain.METHOD:
This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2020. A total of 3,356 adult pregnant and postpartum women (with infants up to 6 months of age) from all Spanish regions were surveyed. The assessment included measures of Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences (COPE-IS questionnaire) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7=10) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS=10).RESULTS:
The prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression (above established cut-offs) was 33.3% and 47.2%, respectively; 29.2% of women screened positive for both conditions. Higher rates of perinatal depression and anxiety were associated with increased concern about threats of COVID-19, especially employment and the financial impact, along with increased overall levels of distress. Exposure to COVID-19 and its symptoms did not appear to be a relevant risk factor. More COVID-19-related predictors and a higher rate of depression were found in postpartum women.CONCLUSIONS:
The current study highlights the substantial increase in symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety, especially in postpartum women. Interventions for perinatal mental health should be a priority.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Psicothema
Journal subject:
Psychology
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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