scholarly journals Associations of COVID-19 related experiences with maternal anxiety and depression: implications for mental health management of pregnant women in the post-pandemic era

2021 ◽  
pp. 114115
Author(s):  
Wei Lin ◽  
Bo Wu ◽  
Bin Chen ◽  
Chuyan Zhong ◽  
Weikang Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Maternal Anxiety ◽  
Anxiety And Depression

scholarly journals A study protocol for testing the feasibility of a randomised stepped wedge cluster design to investigate a Community Health Intervention through Musical Engagement (CHIME) for perinatal mental health in The Gambia

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo ◽  
Bonnie McConnell ◽  
Victoria Cornelius ◽  
Buba Darboe ◽  
Hajara B. Huma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Stepped Wedge ◽  
Musical Engagement

Abstract Background Perinatal mental health problems affect up to one in five women worldwide. Mental health problems in the perinatal period are a particular challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they can be at least twice as frequent as in higher-income countries. It is thus of high priority to develop new low-cost, low-resource, non-stigmatising and culturally appropriate approaches to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression perinatally, for the benefit of both mother and child. Music-centred approaches may be particularly useful in The Gambia since a range of musical practices that specifically engage pregnant women and new mothers already exist. Methods This protocol is for a study to examine the feasibility of undertaking a stepped wedge trial to test how a Community Health Intervention through Musical Engagement (CHIME) could be beneficial in alleviating perinatal mental distress in The Gambia. In this study, we plan to recruit 120 pregnant women (n = 60 intervention, n = 60 control) at four antenatal clinics over two 6-week stepped sequences. Women in the intervention will participate in weekly group-singing sessions, led by local Kanyeleng singing groups, for 6 weeks. The control group will receive standard care. We will assess symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The feasibility of the design will be assessed through recruitment, retention and attrition rates of participants, clinics' adherence to the schedule and completeness of data by site. Qualitative interviews and video and audio recordings will be used to evaluate the acceptability of the intervention. Discussion This feasibility trial will allow us to determine whether a larger trial with the same intervention and target group is feasible and acceptable in The Gambia. Trial registration Retrospectively registered (24/01/2019) with Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR): PACTR201901917619299.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and perinatal health: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Kotlar ◽  
Emily Gerson ◽  
Sophia Petrillo ◽  
Ana Langer ◽  
Henning Tiemeier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Maternal Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries

Abstract Introduction The Covid-19 pandemic affects maternal health both directly and indirectly, and direct and indirect effects are intertwined. To provide a comprehensive overview on this broad topic in a rapid format behooving an emergent pandemic we conducted a scoping review. Methods A scoping review was conducted to compile evidence on direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic on maternal health and provide an overview of the most significant outcomes thus far. Working papers and news articles were considered appropriate evidence along with peer-reviewed publications in order to capture rapidly evolving updates. Literature in English published from January 1st to September 11 2020 was included if it pertained to the direct or indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical, mental, economic, or social health and wellbeing of pregnant people. Narrative descriptions were written about subject areas for which the authors found the most evidence. Results The search yielded 396 publications, of which 95 were included. Pregnant individuals were found to be at a heightened risk of more severe symptoms than people who are not pregnant. Intrauterine, vertical, and breastmilk transmission were unlikely. Labor, delivery, and breastfeeding guidelines for COVID-19 positive patients varied. Severe increases in maternal mental health issues, such as clinically relevant anxiety and depression, were reported. Domestic violence appeared to spike. Prenatal care visits decreased, healthcare infrastructure was strained, and potentially harmful policies implemented with little evidence. Women were more likely to lose their income due to the pandemic than men, and working mothers struggled with increased childcare demands. Conclusion Pregnant women and mothers were not found to be at higher risk for COVID-19 infection than people who are not pregnant, however pregnant people with symptomatic COVID-19 may experience more adverse outcomes compared to non-pregnant people and seem to face disproportionate adverse socio-economic consequences. High income and low- and middle-income countries alike faced significant struggles. Further resources should be directed towards quality epidemiological studies. Plain English summary The Covid-19 pandemic impacts reproductive and perinatal health both directly through infection itself but also indirectly as a consequence of changes in health care, social policy, or social and economic circumstances. The direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19 on maternal health are intertwined. To provide a comprehensive overview on this broad topic we conducted a scoping review. Pregnant women who have symptomatic COVID-19 may experience more severe outcomes than people who are not pregnant. Intrauterine and breastmilk transmission, and the passage of the virus from mother to baby during delivery are unlikely. The guidelines for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding for COVID-19 positive patients vary, and this variability could create uncertainty and unnecessary harm. Prenatal care visits decreased, healthcare infrastructure was strained, and potentially harmful policies are implemented with little evidence in high and low/middle income countries. The social and economic impact of COVID-19 on maternal health is marked. A high frequency of maternal mental health problems, such as clinically relevant anxiety and depression, during the epidemic are reported in many countries. This likely reflects an increase in problems, but studies demonstrating a true change are lacking. Domestic violence appeared to spike. Women were more vulnerable to losing their income due to the pandemic than men, and working mothers struggled with increased childcare demands. We make several recommendations: more resources should be directed to epidemiological studies, health and social services for pregnant women and mothers should not be diminished, and more focus on maternal mental health during the epidemic is needed.

scholarly journals The mental health status and access to antenatal care information among pregnant women during COVID-19 epidemic: a cross-sectional study in China (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Jiang ◽  
Longmei Jin ◽  
Xu Qian ◽  
Xu Xiong ◽  
Xuena La ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Care Information

BACKGROUND China is the first country experienced the large scale of COVID-19 epidemic. To interrupt the transmission, social distancing strategies were required. Many routine health care services were severely disrupted, including antenatal care services. The mental health status as well as how pregnant women reacted to the situation, where and how did they obtain antenatal care information are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine mental health status by measuring perceived stress, anxiety and depression, to explore approaches of obtaining antenatal health information and to determine their associations with the mental health status among pregnant women during COVID-19 epidemic in China. METHODS We conducted an online survey to assess mental health status among pregnant women and collected information on approaches of accessing antenatal care information during the COVID-19 epidemic from February 5 to 28, 2020. RESULTS A total of 1,873 women from 22 provinces/regions of China participated in the survey. The occurrence of experiencing perceived stress, anxiety and depression among pregnant women was 89.1% (95% CI: 87.6%, 90.4%), 18.1% (95% CI: 16.4%, 19.9%) and 45.9% (95% CI: 43.6%, 48.1%), respectively. Hospitals’ official accounts in the Chinese social media platforms WeChat and Weibo were the most popular channels for pregnant women to obtain antenatal care information. Access to antenatal care information and services via the hospitals’ official social media accounts were associated with a significantly lower risk of suffering from stress (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30 to 0.73, P=0.001), anxiety (aOR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.68, P<0.001) and depression (aOR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.90, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 epidemic, occurrence of experiencing perceived stress, anxiety and depression was high in Chinese pregnant women. Mental health care in the current pandemic is urgently needed to reassure and support pregnant women. Developing specific contents for pregnant women on how to cope in emergency and major disease outbreak via social media platforms could be an effective way to mitigate mental health disorders in future epidemic preparedness and response. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and partner delivered massage: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hall ◽  
N Munk ◽  
B Carr ◽  
S Fogarty ◽  
S Holton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Management Program ◽  
The Self ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Management Program ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background Mental health problems place a significant burden on the health system and are an important public health issue. Many pregnant women experience anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact health outcomes for both mother and baby. Partner-delivered massage may provide a cost effective and accessible approach to support the mental wellbeing of pregnant women. Methods A feasibility randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare partner-delivered relaxation massage (intervention) with a self-directed stress management program (control), for pregnant women with mild anxiety. Women attended an initial workshop at 28-32 weeks gestation, followed by the completion of either the self-directed massage or stress management program. Qualitative feasibility and acceptability data (primary outcomes) were collected via online participant diaries and post-birth interviews. Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms (secondary outcomes) were assessed using the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results 14 women/partner dyads attended the partner- delivered massage group and 13 women attended the self-directed stress management group. Participants from both groups reported the programs were feasible and acceptable. Mean scores on all DASS-21 subscales significantly decreased over time in both the intervention and the control group. Conclusions The partner-delivered massage program was feasible and acceptable. Both programs decreased women's symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, with no significant between-group differences identified. An adequately powered, experimental study is needed to determine the effectiveness of partner-delivered relaxation massage. Key messages Many women experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy and this can have a negative impact on both mother and baby. Partner-delivered relaxation massage, at least once a week in the third trimester, may help reduce women’s symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.

scholarly journals The relationship between sexual function and mental health in Iranian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Effati-Daryani ◽  
Shayesteh Jahanfar ◽  
Azam Mohammadi ◽  
Somayeh Zarei ◽  
Mojgan Mirghafourvand
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Correlation Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Sexual function, a significant contributor to quality of life, is affected by various factors, including overall mental health. COVID-19 is a current pandemic that influences the mental health of various populations, especially pregnant women. Despite the importance of sexual health, the specific nature of its relationship to overall mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is not clearly defined. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between sexual function and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian pregnant women. Methods This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out among 437 pregnant women using the sociodemographic and obstetrics characteristics questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Inventory, Stress, Depression, and Anxiety Scales. Random sampling was employed to select pregnant women who had a medical record in Health Centers of Tabriz city, Iran. The questionnaires were sent to the participants’ cell phones via WhatsApp or text messages, including links of questionnaires and the participants completed these questionnaires. Spearman correlation test was used to determine the relationship between sexual function and stress, anxiety, and depression. Generalized linear modeling was used to estimate each of the independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics, stress, anxiety, and depression) on the dependent variable (sexual function). Results The mean (Standard Deviation) sexual functioning (total) score was 20.0 (8.50) from the available range of 2 to 36. The mean (SD) of depression, stress, and anxiety scale was 4.81 (5.22), 5.13 (4.37), and 7.86 (4.50) (possible score ranging from 0 to 21), respectively. Based on Spearman’s correlation test, there was a significant reverse correlation between the total sexual function score and stress, anxiety, and depression, indicating that all three variables negatively impacted sexual functioning. Variables such as mild stress, spouse type of job, sufficient household income, living with parents, higher marital satisfaction, and higher gestational age had a significant, positive impact on sexual function and could predict 35.8% of the variance model. Conclusions Sexual functioning was significantly impacted by stress, anxiety, and depression – all of which are heightened during a pandemic. This topic warrants further study, and the general public should be educated on the protective influence of safe sex/intimacy on overall mental health.

scholarly journals Probiotics as a treatment for prenatal maternal anxiety and depression: a double-blind randomized pilot trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela D. Browne ◽  
Antoinette C. Bolte ◽  
Isolde Besseling-van der Vaart ◽  
Eric Claassen ◽  
Carolina de Weerth
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Maternal Anxiety ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

AbstractProbiotic use may be an efficacious treatment option to effectively manage symptoms of prenatal maternal anxiety and depression. Our primary aim was to test feasibility and acceptability for a probiotic randomized controlled trial (RCT) in pregnant women with pre-existing symptoms. This double-blind pilot RCT included 40 pregnant women with low-risk pregnancies and elevated depressive symptoms and/or anxiety. Once daily, participants orally consumed a probiotic (Ecologic Barrier) or a placebo, from 26 to 30 weeks gestation until delivery. A priori key progression criteria for primary outcomes were determined to decide whether or not a full RCT was feasible and acceptable. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and maternal bonding to offspring. In 19 months, 1573 women were screened; following screening, 155 women (10%) were invited for participation, of whom 135 (87%) received study information, and 40 women (30%) were included. Four out of six a priori determined criteria for success on feasibility and acceptability were met. After 8 weeks of intervention, there was no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo groups for secondary outcomes. The pilot trial was feasible and acceptable, but hampered by recruitment method and study design. Secondary endpoints did not reveal differences between the groups for improving maternal mood.

scholarly journals The sustained adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among pregnant women in Sri Lanka: a reassessment during the second wave

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malitha Patabendige ◽  
Dhanushka Wanniarachchi ◽  
Malika Weerasinghe ◽  
Pramith Ruwanpathirana ◽  
DMCS Jayasundara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Antenatal Depression ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Street Hospital ◽  
Maternity Hospitals ◽  
Second Wave

Abstract Objective To study the change in trend of antenatal mental health and associated factors among a cohort of pregnant women during the second wave of COVID-19 using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Previous study using the same scale, during the first wave reported a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression. Results A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the two large maternity hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Castle Street Hospital for Women (CSHW) and De Soysa Hospital for Women (DSHW). Consecutively recruited 311 women were studied. Out of which, 272 (87.5%) were having uncomplicated pregnancies at the time of the survey and 106 (34.1%) were either anxious, depressed, or both. Prevalence of anxiety was 17.0% and depression 27.0%. Overall, continuing COVID-19 pandemic increased antenatal anxiety and depression. The trend was to aggravate depression more intensively compared to anxiety in this cohort of women studied. Special support is needed for pregnant mothers during infectious epidemics taking more attention to antenatal depression.

Anxiety and depression symptoms in the same pregnant women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 965-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reyhan Ayaz ◽  
Meryem Hocaoğlu ◽  
Taner Günay ◽  
Oğuz devrim Yardımcı ◽  
Abdulkadir Turgut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Mean

AbstractObjectivesWith clinical experience from previous coronavirus infections, public health measures and fear of infection may have negative psychological effects on pregnant women. This study aimed to compare the level of anxiety and depression in the same pregnant women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe pregnant women continuing pregnancy who participated in the first study which was undertaken to clarify the factors associated with mental health of pregnant women before the COVID-19 pandemic, were included for the current study during the outbreak. Anxiety and depression symptoms of the same pregnant women were evaluated by using the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms II and Beck Anxiety Inventory twice before and during the pandemic.ResultsA total of 63 pregnant women completed questionnaires. The mean age of the women and the mean gestational age was 30.35±5.27 years and 32.5±7 weeks, respectively. The mean total IDAS II score was found to increase from 184.78±49.67 (min: 109, max: 308) to 202.57±52.90 (min: 104, max: 329) before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. According to the BAI scores the number of patients without anxiety (from 10 to 6) and with mild anxiety (from 31 to 24) decreased and patients with moderate (from 20 to 25) and severe anxiety (from 2 to 8) increased after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that obesity and relationship with her husband are the best predictors of IDAS II scores.ConclusionsThis study indicated that COVID-19 outbreak affects the mental health of pregnant women negatively which leads to adverse birth outcomes. The level of anxiety and depression symptoms of pregnant women during the COVID-19 infection significantly increased. Healthcare professionals should establish comprehensive treatment plans for pregnant women who are highly vulnerable population to prevent mental trauma during the infectious disease outbreaks.

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