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 ◽  
...  

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thilini Chanchala Agampodi ◽  
Nuwan Darshana Wickramasinghe ◽  
Hemali Gayathri Jayakodi ◽  
Gayani Shashikala Amarasinghe ◽  
Janith Niwanthaka Warnasekara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Adolescent fertility is a main indicator of the Sustainable Developmental Goal (SGD) three. Although Sri Lanka is exemplary in maternal health, the utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) by adolescents is less documented. We describe the hidden burden, associated biological and psychosocial factors and utilization patterns of pre-conceptional services among pregnant adolescents in rural Sri Lanka. Methods The study is based on the baseline assessment of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Anuradhapura. Pregnant women newly registered from July to September 2019 were recruited to the study. The period of gestation was confirmed during the second follow-up visit (around 25–28 weeks of gestation) using ultra sound scan data. A history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, blood investigations were conducted. Mental health status was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Results Baseline data on gestation was completed by 3,367 pregnant women. Of them, 254 (7.5%) were adolescent pregnancies. Among the primigravida mothers (n = 1037), 22.4% (n = 233) were adolescent pregnancies. Maternal and paternal low education level, being unmarried, and less time since marriage were statistically significant factors associated with adolescent pregnancies (p < 0.05). Contraceptive usage before pregnancy, utilization of pre-conceptional health care services, planning pregnancy and consuming folic acid was significantly low among adolescents (p < 0.001). They also had low body mass index (p < 0.001) and low hemoglobin levels (p = 0.03). Adolescent mothers were less happy of being pregnant (p = 0.006) and had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.009). Conclusion One fifth of women in their first pregnancy in this study population are adolescents. Nulli-parous adolescents exert poor social stability and compromised physical and mental health effects. The underutilization and/or unavailability of SRH services is clearly associated with adolescent pregnancies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Bassani Dal’Bosco ◽  
Lara Simone Messias Floriano ◽  
Suellen Vienscoski Skupien ◽  
Guilherme Arcaro ◽  
Alessandra Rodrigues Martins ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression in nursing professionals who work to cope with COVID-19 at a university hospital. Methods: a cross-sectional observational study using a sociodemographic questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, with 88 nursing professionals. Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequency and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: there was prevalence of anxiety (48.9%) and depression (25%). The majority of the sample consisted of women over 40 years old, married or in a common-law marriage, white, with higher education or graduate degree, with an income above 3,000.00 reais, public servants, working 40 hours a week and working in the hospital from 1 to 5 years. Conclusion: we must consider the impact on mental health nursing caused by COVID-19 and intervene with coping strategies to minimize the suffering of professionals.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Artioli ◽  
Karine Corcione Turke ◽  
Aline Hernandez Marquez Sarafyan ◽  
Beatriz Boos Ortolani ◽  
Ingrid Victoria Maria Biondo Edle von Schmadel ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in cancer patients. Although cancer treatment is funded by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), economic burden is also borne by patients through out-of-pocket costs. Our study sought to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment on depression, anxiety and stress levels in cancer patients.Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study conducted in 2021. Patients undergoing chemotherapy were being treated at tertiary hospital affiliated with the SUS and enrolled in research protocols at research center. To evaluate out-of-pocket costs, we used a socioeconomic questionnaire to identify costs and time spent by patients. Primary outcomes were prevalence of depression and anxiety, as determined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and prevalence of stress, as determined using a stress thermometer.Results: 195 patients were included. Among included patients, 61% were female, and mean age was 57 years. Patients' median overall out-of-pocket costs was R$ 453.80 (US$ 78.92). Based on the HADS, 62.1% of patients had possible or probable depression/anxiety. There was no correlation between overall out-of-pocket spending and levels of depression/anxiety. However, when stratified by cost-time variables, there was a negative correlation between spending on telephones and HADS (rho = -0.140; P = 0.049) and positive correlations between spending on medications (rho = 0.140; P = 0.05) and time spent purchasing medications (rho = 0.157; P = 0.029) with HADS.Conclusion: Although overall spending was not directly correlated with mental health, specific costs impacted levels of anxiety, depression and stress.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thilini Chanchala Agampodi ◽  
Nuwan Darshana Wickramasinghe ◽  
Hemali Gayathri Jayakodi ◽  
Gayani Shashikala Amarasinghe ◽  
Janith Niwanthaka Warnasekara ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundAdolescent fertility is a main indicator of the Sustainable Developmental Goal (SGD) three. Although Sri Lanka is exemplary in maternal health the utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) by adolescents is less documented. We describe the hidden burden, associated biological and psychosocial factors and utilization patterns of pre-conceptional services among pregnant adolescents in rural Sri Lanka. MethodsThe study is based on the baseline assessment of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Anuradhapura. Pregnant women newly registered from July to September 2019 were recruited to the study. The period of gestation was confirmed during the second follow-up visit (around 25-28 weeks of gestation) using ultra sound scan data. A history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, blood investigations were conducted. Mental health status was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). ResultsBaseline data on gestation was completed by 3,367 pregnant women. Of them, 253 (7.5%) were adolescent pregnancies. Among the primiparous mothers (n=1037), 22.4% (n=232) were adolescent pregnancies. Maternal and paternal low education level, being unmarried, and less time since marriage were statistically significant factors associated with adolescent pregnancies (p<0.05). Contraceptive usage before pregnancy, utilization of pre-conceptional health care services, planning pregnancy and consuming folic acid was significantly low among adolescents (p<0.001). They also had low body mass index (p<0.001) and low hemoglobin levels (p<0.03). Adolescent mothers were less happy of being pregnant (p<0.006) and had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p<0.009).ConclusionOne fifth of women in their first pregnancy in this study population are adolescents. Primi-parous adolescents exert poor social stability and compromised physical and mental health effects. The underutilization and/or unavailability of SRH services is clearly associated with adolescent pregnancies.


Author(s):  
Jayashree Kannappan ◽  
Abhilash Kannappan ◽  
V. S. Prema Subathiraa ◽  
Shanthi Dinakaran ◽  
P. S. Jikki Kalaselvi

Background: Women are twice as likely as males to suffer from mood disorders, which tend to cluster around the childbearing years. Depression negatively influences maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of depression in pregnant women aged 18 – 35 yrs and to identify predictors accounting for variability across estimates during pandemic. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study, conducted among 74 pregnant women coming for antenatal checkups in the Sriperumbudur, Chennai. Using height and weight values obtained from the sample, Body Mass Index (weight in kg/height in metre squares) was calculated. Hamilton – Depression Scale (HAM-d) was applied after initial psychiatry work up to all women who were selected for the interview. Mean of parameters were assessed and correlation value were calculated by Fisher’s exact test. The statistically significant P value was less than 0.05. Results: The sociodemographic variables have been found as significant contributors in explaining the variability of the prevalence rates of antenatal depression. It showed positive correlation between economic status and depression (p<0.05) and a negative correlation between obesity and depression (p>0.05). According to the findings, fewer than 1/3rd of pregnant women experience depression as a result of life circumstances such as economic crises in order to support their families. These were identified as significant associate variables (P>0.05). And also, this study identified insufficient socioeconomic assistance were more likely to experience multiple psychological discomfort [atleast 1] than women who got appropriate economic support. (r = -0.118, P < 0.001) Conclusion: In rural Tamilnadu, the prevalence of antenatal depression among women is significant. Antenatal Depression is caused by a number of circumstances, including physical, obstetric, economic, and family-related issues. To treat these antenatal depression risk factors, comprehensive therapies are required.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e020083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Heidari ◽  
Awat Feizi ◽  
Hamidreza Roohafza ◽  
Katayoun Rabiei ◽  
Nizal Sarrafzadegan

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to classify participants based on mental health problems profile and to evaluate its relationship with dietary patterns among Iranian manufacturing employees.DesignObservational study with a cross-sectional design.SettingThis study was conducted in Esfahan Steel Company, one of the biggest Iranian industrial manufacturing companies.ParticipantsComplete data on 2942 manufacturing employees, with a mean (SD) age of 36.68 (7.31) years, were analysed.Outcome measuresHospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADA) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to evaluate anxiety and depression and psychological distress, respectively.ResultsThree major dietary patterns, namely ‘western’, ‘healthy’ and ‘traditional’, were extracted using factor analysis. A two-class, one-factor structure was identified from study participants in terms of mental health problems profile based on the factor mixture model. Two identified classes were labelled as ‘low mental health problems’ (2683 manufacturing employees, 91.2%) and ‘high mental health problems’ (259 individuals, 8.8%). After adjusting for the impact of potential confounders, manufacturing employees in the highest tertile of healthy dietary pattern had lower odds of being in the high mental health problems profile class (OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.92). In contrast, greater adherence to Western and traditional dietary patterns was associated with increased odds of being in the high mental health problems class (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.35 and OR=1.52, 95% CI :1.10 to 2.11, respectively).ConclusionsOur study provided informative pathways on the association of dietary patterns and mental health among manufacturing employees. The findings can be used by workplace health promotion policymakers in improving mental health in such study population. Interventional and prospective studies that investigate the effects of change in dietary patterns on the mental health of manufacturing employees are suggested.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e030365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Naja ◽  
Noora Al-Kubaisi ◽  
Mohamad Chehab ◽  
Ayman Al-Dahshan ◽  
Nada Abuhashem ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe current study aimed to validate and determine the psychometric properties of the Arabic versions of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in Qatar.DesignA cross-sectional study design was employed.SettingAntenatal care (ANC) clinics at nine primary healthcare centres.ParticipantsPregnant women (n=128) aged 15–46 years in different trimesters of pregnancy, attending the ANC clinics as well as capable of reading and writing in the Arabic language.ResultsA total of 128 participants were enrolled. On conducting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the EPDS showed a larger area under the curve at 0.951 than the BDI-II tool (0.912). Using Youden’s index, a score>13 on the EPDS (87% sensitivity, 90% specificity) and>19 on the BDI-II (96% sensitivity, 73% specificity) allowed for the greatest division between depressed and non-depressed participants.ConclusionTo address the under-recognition of antenatal depression, physicians at primary healthcare centres in Qatar should be encouraged to utilise the EPDS to screen pregnant women seeking ANC services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Md. Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Asmaul Husna Ritu ◽  
Md. Abid Bin Siddique ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic are often under significant pressures that may predispose them to symptoms of poor mental health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among HCWs and factors correlated with mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. And, it also aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and August, 2020. A self-reported online questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The survey included questions concerning socio-demographic, lifestyle, and work setting, as well as the HADS. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results Data from 803 HCWs (50.7% male; mean age: 27.3 [SD = 6.9]; age range: 18-58 years) were included in the final analysis. The Bangla HADS was psychometrically sound, and demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability (α = 0.83), and excellent construct validity. Prevalence estimates of anxiety and depression were 69.5%, and 39.5%, respectively, for less severe symptomology (at least borderline abnormal), and 41.2% and 15.7% for more severe (at least abnormal) symptomology. Regression analyses with the total HADS score as a dependent variable revealed significant (p < 0.05) associations with female gender, moderate and poor health status, infrequent physical exercising, smoking, having had regrets about one’s profession because of the pandemic and associated experiences, not updating on the latest COVID-19-related research, experiencing discrimination in the workplace, and facing social problems due to working in a lab or hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The findings suggest a need for screening for mental health concerns, and employing early intervention to help these individuals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasha E. Khamees ◽  
Omima T. Taha ◽  
Tamer Yehia M. Ali

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate anxiety and depression in pregnant women during this global disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional study recruiting 120 pregnant women. The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. We recruited women attending for antenatal care. Anxiety was evaluated using an Arabic validated Kuwait University Anxiety Scale (KUAS). Depression was evaluated using a validated Arabic form of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results The study included 48 (40%) nulliparous and 72 (60%) multiparous women. The mean KUAS scores for nulliparous and multiparous women were 45.27±10.78 and 47.28±10.62. Both nulliparous and multiparous women had a fairly high possibility of depression. Fifty-three (44.2%) of them reported scores ≥ of 14. Ninety-three (77.5%) women thought that COVID-19 pandemic would affect their pregnancies. There was a significant association between the number of women reporting fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic and their KUAS and EPDS scores (p-value <0.001 each). Conclusions COVID-19 affected the mental health of pregnant women to a great extent. Care should be directed to measures that would decrease the impact of this pandemic on vulnerable populations.


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