Psychological impact of Covid - 19 among mothers during perinatal period: An exploratory study

Abstract

Background: Maternal mental health is a public health concern especially during COVID pandemic. Essential regular Maternity services are affected due to lockdown and fear of its spread. COVID 19 had its psychological impact among general public and also among perinatal mothers. Psychological problems impact perinatal mothers, and are associated with increased risk to mother and the child.Objectives: To study the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among perinatal mothers delivering at a tertiary hospital. To compare these levels between COVID positive and negative mothersMethodology: A case control study among 150 COVID positive and 150 COVID negative antenatal and postnatal mothers in a tertiary hospital. Interview schedule including DASS-21 was administered to assess the levels of depression, anxiety and stress among them. Grades of depression, anxiety and stress were correlated with each other and compared with age and pregnancy status of mothers both among cases and controls.Results: Proportion of some grade of depression 96 (64.0%) among COVID cases was lesser 107(71.3%) than that of controls. Anxiety prevalence was slightly higher among cases 81(54.0%) than compared to controls 78 (52.0%). Prevalence of stress among cases 29(19.3%) and controls 28 (18.7) were similar. Mean depression scores among cases were 10.05±5.10 was significantly lesser that of controls which is 11.44±4.92.There was no association between psychological problems with age and pregnancy status both in cases and controls. There was a significant positive correlation between the scores of depression, anxiety and stress both among cases and controls.Conclusions: COVID pandemic has a significant psychological impact on all pregnant mothers irrespective of their COVID status. This emphasises the need for prompt and early assessment and management of maternal mental health among all pregnant mothers during COVID pandemic.