Impact Of Covid-19 On Post Natal Mental Health
Nabia Tariq1, Maria Habib1, Ayesha Tariq1
1Department of Gynae/Obs, Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|February 6, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increased postpartum anxiety and nervousness in mothers. This finding highlights the need for mental health support for mothers affected by the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Infectious disease impact on maternal well-being
- Psychological effects of pandemics
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, declared a global public health emergency in January 2020, necessitated specific guidelines for mental health support.
- This study addresses the psychological impact on mothers during the postpartum period, a critical phase for maternal mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 infection on mothers in the postpartum period.
- To compare the mental health outcomes of COVID-19 positive mothers with COVID-19 negative mothers.
Main Methods:
- A six-month cross-sectional study included 84 mothers (42 COVID-19 positive, 42 COVID-19 negative).
- Exclusion criteria included pre-existing mental health conditions, current psychological medication, and obstetrical/neonatal complications.
- The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used for screening, with statistical analysis via independent sample t tests and Fisher exact tests.
Main Results:
- The mean EPDS score for the COVID-19 positive group was 9.48±6.33.
- Sub-scale analysis revealed statistically significant differences in mean scores for Anhedonia (1.6±1.76) and Anxiety (4.86±2.94).
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with increased anxiety and nervousness in the postpartum period.
- Mothers who experienced COVID-19 showed greater psychological distress compared to their uninfected counterparts.
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