Dataset Information

Prenatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression in Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the occurrence of prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms, and to assess what factors significantly affect the appearance of symptoms of depression and anxiety in young mothers. The study group consisted of 130 women after childbirth. Due to the ongoing restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was prepared online. The questionnaire was fully anonymous, and it contained the authors' own questions and two standardized questionnaires: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorders GAD-7. The conducted analysis clearly indicated that the level of postpartum depression, in as many as 52 of the mothers, had increased significantly compared to the time before delivery, when symptoms of depression were shown by 22 women (p = 0.009). However, there was no statistically significant change between prenatal and postnatal anxiety. There are many factors associated with postnatal depression. The strongest predictors turned out to be average socioeconomic status, history of anxiety disorders, past neurosis or depression, lack of or inadequate level of assistance from healthcare professionals, as well as lactation problems and postpartum pain.

SUBMITTER: Baran J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8304229 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Prenatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression in Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Baran Joanna J Leszczak Justyna J Baran Rafał R Biesiadecka Anna A Weres Aneta A Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina E Kalandyk-Osinko Katarzyna K

Journal of clinical medicine 20210720 14

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the occurrence of prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression symptoms, and to assess what factors significantly affect the appearance of symptoms of depression and anxiety in young mothers. The study group consisted of 130 women after childbirth. Due to the ongoing restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was prepared online. The questionnaire was fully anonymous, and it contained the authors' own questions and two standardize ...[more]

PMID: 34300358

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Project description:ObjectiveThe postnatal period is a vulnerable time for women's mental health, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study interviewed Auckland-based mothers and healthcare providers to find out their perspectives on the needs and experiences of women with postnatal mental health concerns within the pandemic context.DesignSemi-structured interviews were conducted via video conferencing.SettingInterviews were conducted between May and July 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsParticipants included eight mothers who gave birth during the first year of the pandemic (between January and December 2020) and self-identified as experiencing postnatal depression and/or anxiety, and three healthcare providers who support women with postnatal mental illness. All participants were based in Auckland, New Zealand.Measurements and findingsInterviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Five main themes were identified including (1) uncertainty and anxiety, (2) financial and work stress, (3) importance of the "village", (4) inner resilience, and (5) "no one cared for mum". The participants' stories reflected a period of uncertainty, anxiety, and isolation. A lack of focus on mothers' mental health during postnatal healthcare appointments was evident, as well as a lack of support services to refer the women to should they reach out for help.Key conclusions and implications for practiceThe results of this study highlight the importance of prioritising safe, in-person access to healthcare providers and sources of social support for postnatal women during pandemic lockdowns to help reduce isolation during this vulnerable time. Improving accessibility to a range of treatment options for those with mild to moderate mental illness also needs to be a priority. A dedicated postnatal mental health support line could be beneficial to broaden the support options available to mothers, both within and outside the pandemic context. More focus on mental health training for midwives and other postnatal healthcare providers such as well child nurses is also recommended, to increase their ability to support women struggling with postnatal mental illness.

Project description:ObjectivesThis study examines the relationship between adolescent mothers' mental health problems (postnatal depression and generalised anxiety) and adherence to COVID-19 public health prevention strategies in rural Malawi. It is part of a larger previously published study investigating the impact of social and cultural factors on the mental health in adolescent mothers.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to identify the risk of postnatal depression (PND) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), respectively. Participants also responded to questions about their perception of COVID-19 and how they practiced the recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies.SettingThe study was conducted at a rural hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi.ParticipantsAdolescent postnatal mothers aged 19 years and below, with children aged less than 1 year, who understood the study and could consent.ResultsAdolescent mothers (n=395) completed the researcher-administered survey. The mean age was±17 (SD 1.157). Most participants had recently given birth to their first child (91%, n=358). Almost half (45%, n=113) of participants agreed with the COVID-19 prevention strategies recommended by the Malawian government. However, overall adherence to public health COVID-19 prevention strategies, including hand hygiene practices, was low among adolescent mothers. Participants with probable GAD and probable PND were more likely to practice COVID-19 prevention strategies than participants with low GAD-7 or EPDS scores, except for restrictions on religious gatherings.ConclusionsAdolescent perception of the potential threats or risks of COVID-19 was low. However, adolescents with probable PND and probable GAD reported higher adherence to some COVID-19 prevention strategies than adolescents without PND and GAD. The findings support the need for policies that integrate mental health within the public health response due to the potential direct and indirect effects the pandemic might have on perinatal mothers' mental health. Additionally, recommended pandemic responses should be appropriate and relevant to the social environment.

Dataset Information

Prenatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression in Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Publications

Prenatal and Postnatal Anxiety and Depression in Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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