Study of Anxiety, stress and Depression Associated with Breastfeeding in COVID-positive Mothers of block Hazratbal, Kashmir

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly disseminated worldwide, with a wide variety of clinical manifestations ranging from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia. Since then, there have been over 62300396 cases of COVID-19 infections worldwide, with 6550033 deaths. Coronavirus disease has presented the world to uncertainty and clinical dilemma with developing and constantly changing management guidelines and protocols. In the backdrop of this pandemic, it thus becomes crucial to study the effects of the infection on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In this study, we analyzed experiences of breastfeeding mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically concerning how COVID-positive status affected their infant's feeding decisions. Objective(s) To study anxiety, fear and depression associated with breastfeeding in coronavirus disease (COVID)-positive mothers. Method(s) The following DASS scale was used to measure depression anxiety, and stress of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among postpartum women along with a self-made breastfeeding questionnaire to assess the association with breastfeeding. Result(s) Among the total of 77 respondents, 13% showed symptoms of depression, 16% anxiety and 9% stress. The breastfeeding questionnaire suggested that most women are afraid of transmitting the infection to their newborns and they lack the knowledge about the importance of breast milk in warding off other infections. Also, women found it difficult to take care of their newborns on their own. Conclusion(s) With this study, we could determine the effects of this pandemic on anxiety depression, and stress levels of COVID infection in postpartum women. It clearly showed that being COVID positive created, affected, and exacerbated mental health issues for mothers. So, there is an urgent need to provide emotional and psychosocial support to this group of the population during the crisis. Otherwise, the adverse outcome is possible involving both mother and newborn.