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Zou D, Chen C. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of new mothers in China: A qualitative study of mothers with infants aged 0–1 year old. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1138349. [PMID: 37050962 PMCID: PMC10083314 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1138349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundChina has implemented a strict epidemic control policy (ECP) for 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. New mothers are under great psychological pressure to protect themselves against the virus, following the ECP, as well as taking on the main responsibility of raising their children. However, the mental health of this group has been neglected by the public. This article aims to understand the mental health of new mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodQualitative research methods were adopted in this study. From 1 October to 1 November 2022, we conducted in-depth interviews with 36 new mothers in Guiyang, Guizhou, China, and used thematic analysis to examine their emotional status, as well as the origins of their negative and positive emotions.Results(1) New mothers are chronically depressed, feeling anxious, and upset. (2) Negative emotions are caused either by the virus or by the ECP. (3) New mothers are mainly anxious about their children's physical health, feeding options, childcare, and family income. (4) Positive emotions are reflected by tight parent–child bonds, a better understanding of childcare, and an increased ability to perceive risks.ConclusionThe anxiety of new mothers has revealed the shortcomings of the Chinese health system in the emergency management of the mother and child. At the same time, the outbreak is an opportunity to improve the response management capacity of the health system in order to prevent the recurrence of similar problems for mothers and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zou
- School of Marxism, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Chen
- College of Literature and Journalism, Qiannan University of Science and Technology, Qiannan, China
- *Correspondence: Chen Chen
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Pařízek A, Janků P, Kameníková M, Pařízková P, Javornická D, Benešová D, Rogalewicz V, Laštůvka Z, Barták M. Laboring Alone: Perinatal Outcomes during Childbirth without a Birth Partner or Other Companion during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2614. [PMID: 36767981 PMCID: PMC9916022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the government of the Czech Republic issued a nationwide ban on visitors to maternity wards. We studied whether the absence of a close person during labor due to this ban impacted perinatal indicators. This study was performed using an administrative observational questionnaire focused on absolute frequencies of events sent to maternity facilities across the Czech Republic. Completed answers were received from 33 facilities covering 4805 births during the study period in 2019 and 4514 births in 2020. The differences in individual parameters were tested using Pearson's chi-squared homogeneity test. There were no significant differences between the two periods in spontaneous pre-term births (p = 0.522) or in the number of cesarean sections (p = 0.536). No significant changes were seen in either local or systemic analgesia. Data showed a significantly shorter (p = 0.026) first stage of labor in 2020 compared to 2019, while there was no significant difference (p = 0.673) in the second stage of labor. There was no statistically significant difference found for newborn perinatal adaptation. There were also no significant differences in intrapartum maternal injuries. Overall, we found no significant differences in basic perinatal indicators during the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020 compared to 2019. Although the absence of a close person may cause stress for the laboring women, it does not impair objective clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonín Pařízek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Janků
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslava Kameníková
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Brno, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pařízková
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Javornická
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacky University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Benešová
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Rogalewicz
- Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Laštůvka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Barták
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social and Economics Studies, J. E. Purkyně University, 400 96 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
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Martinez-Vazquez S, Riquelme-Gallego B, Lugo-Toro LJ, Lucena-Prieto L, Garrido-Torres N, Lopez-Soto T, Caparros-Gonzalez RA, De la Torre-Luque A. Maternal Psychopathological Profile during Childbirth and Neonatal Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pre-Posttest Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:80. [PMID: 36829309 PMCID: PMC9952727 DOI: 10.3390/bs13020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 generated an alert that became a state of emergency in health issues worldwide, a situation that affected the entire population, including pregnant women. The present study aims to understand the effect of the psychopathological profile of a sample of pregnant women at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic on themselves during childbirth (Phase 1) and after childbirth and the anthropometric measures of the neonate at birth (Phase 2). The total sample comprises 81 pregnant women aged 32.07 years (SD = 5.45) and their neonates. Sociodemographic and obstetric data of the sample were collected. During pregnancy, psychopathology was measured by means of the SCL-90, as well as other psychological measures on stress and social support. Cluster k-means techniques were used to uncover the heterogeneous profiles of psychopathology in Phase 1. Two main psychopathological profiles were found (Cluster 1: High psychopathological symptoms; Cluster 2: Low psychopathological symptoms). The clusters generated show significant differences in all the SCL-90-R subscales used and in the general index at Phase 1. After childbirth, high psychopathology profile membership was associated with a greater probability of having a non-eutocic delivery. On the other hand, the low psychopathological symptoms cluster shows higher levels of depressive symptoms, hostility, paranoid ideation, and psychotic symptoms in Phase 2. In conclusion, there seemed to exist two heterogeneous profiles of psychopathology in pregnant women during the pandemic; the stress related to the pandemic seemed uninfluential on the development of a profile of high psychopathological symptoms and the psychopathology profile may influence delivery and postpartum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lidia Lucena-Prieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Delivery Ward, Hospital Antequera, 29200 Malaga, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Lopez-Soto
- English Language Department, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael A. Caparros-Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Nursing, The University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro De la Torre-Luque
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, CIBERSAM ISCIII, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Xavier S, Branquinho M, Pires R, Moreira H, Coelho M, Araújo-Pedrosa A. Dysfunctional Attitudes Toward Motherhood and Depressive Symptoms in Portuguese Pregnant Women During COVID-19 Pandemic: the Mediating Roles of Self-Compassion and Mindful Self-Care. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:418-428. [PMID: 36597485 PMCID: PMC9798940 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-02049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objectives There is evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of pregnant women, such as an increase in the prevalence of depression. Given the negative consequences that depressive symptoms can pose for pregnant women, it is crucial to understand how cognitive processes influence women's depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among this specific vulnerable population. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between pregnant women's dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood and their depressive symptoms, considering the mediating roles of self-compassion and mindful self-care. Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Portugal between October 2020 and April 2021. A sample of 244 pregnant women answered a set of questionnaires to assess dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood, depressive symptoms, self-compassion, and mindful self-care. Results More dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this relation was mediated through self-compassion and mindful self-care. Conclusions These results highlight that self-compassion and mindful self-care are important psychological mechanisms and the importance of considering them in psychological interventions to prevent and/or treat depressive symptoms in pregnant women with dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood during stressful events such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Xavier
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Branquinho
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pires
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Helena Moreira
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Coelho
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela Araújo-Pedrosa
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- grid.28911.330000000106861985Clinical Psychology Service & Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Grajek M, Krupa-Kotara K, Grot M, Kujawińska M, Helisz P, Gwioździk W, Białek-Dratwa A, Staśkiewicz W, Kobza J. Perception of the Body Image in Women after Childbirth and the Specific Determinants of Their Eating Behavior: Cross-Sectional Study (Silesia, Poland). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610137. [PMID: 36011771 PMCID: PMC9407984 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Episodes of loss of control over eating during pregnancy affect up to 36% of women during this period. Many women experience natural concerns about weight gain and body-shape changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and food cravings and fluctuations in eating patterns during these periods are physiological phenomena. However, pregnancy and the postpartum period may be an additional determinant of eating disorders. Women who perceive their own bodies as significantly deviating from the presented ideal are more likely to experience anxiety/anxiety related to it and also tend to exhibit abnormal eating behaviors. The perception of one’s body figure also plays an important role in maintaining psychological balance Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of body image by postpartum women. The essence of the study was to see if there were psychomarkers associated with lack of control over eating, food restriction, and emotionally motivated eating in the study population. Material and methods: The study was conducted during the fall and winter of 2021. A total of 288 women participated in the study. The age of the subjects ranged from 21 to 45 years. Results: It was found that 198 women (68.8%) were dissatisfied with their current body weight and figure. Respondents with higher post-pregnancy body mass index showed dissatisfaction with their body shape (49.8%; H = 13.042; p = 0.001). Both body satisfaction and BMI level were significant components of the occurrence of pathological phenomena associated with the TFEQ-13 subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Excessive focus on food restriction as well as lack of control over eating had some association with negative self-perception of body image, mainly in the form of body weight dissatisfaction. Eating behaviors showed an association with BMI level and weight satisfaction after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Grajek
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Karolina Krupa-Kotara
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Martina Grot
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Maria Kujawińska
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Paulina Helisz
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Weronika Gwioździk
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa
- Department of Human Nutrition, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Staśkiewicz
- Department of Technology and Food Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanna Kobza
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
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Bioinformatics, Computational Informatics, and Modeling Approaches to the Design of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates. COMPUTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/computation10070117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This article is devoted to applying bioinformatics and immunoinformatics approaches for the development of a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against the spike glycoproteins of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in selected African countries. The study’s relevance is dictated by the fact that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began its global threat at the end of 2019 and since then has had a devastating impact on the whole world. Measures to reduce threats from the pandemic include social restrictions, restrictions on international travel, and vaccine development. In most cases, vaccine development depends on the spike glycoprotein, which serves as a medium for its entry into host cells. Although several variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged from mutations crossing continental boundaries, about 6000 delta variants have been reported along the coast of more than 20 countries in Africa, with South Africa accounting for the highest percentage. This also applies to the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in South Africa. The authors suggest that bioinformatics and immunoinformatics approaches be used to develop a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against the spike glycoproteins of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in selected African countries. Various immunoinformatics tools have been used to predict T- and B-lymphocyte epitopes. The epitopes were further subjected to multiple evaluations to select epitopes that could elicit a sustained immunological response. The candidate vaccine consisted of seven epitopes, a highly immunogenic adjuvant, an MHC I-targeting domain (MITD), a signal peptide, and linkers. The molecular weight (MW) was predicted to be 223.1 kDa, well above the acceptable threshold of 110 kDa on an excellent vaccine candidate. In addition, the results showed that the candidate vaccine was antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, thermostable, and hydrophilic. The vaccine candidate has good population coverage, with the highest range in East Africa (80.44%) followed by South Africa (77.23%). West Africa and North Africa have 76.65% and 76.13%, respectively, while Central Africa (75.64%) has minimal coverage. Among seven epitopes, no mutations were observed in 100 randomly selected SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins in the study area. Evaluation of the secondary structure of the vaccine constructs revealed a stabilized structure showing 36.44% alpha-helices, 20.45% drawn filaments, and 33.38% random helices. Molecular docking of the TLR4 vaccine showed that the simulated vaccine has a high binding affinity for TLR-4, reflecting its ability to stimulate the innate and adaptive immune response.
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Attitude and Level of COVID-19 Vaccination among Women in Reproductive Age during the Fourth Pandemic Wave: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116872. [PMID: 35682455 PMCID: PMC9180577 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination, apart from the sanitary regime, is the most efficient strategy to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and significantly reduce the severity of the disease following infection. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant Polish women and women who have already given birth to evaluate the level and attitude to vaccination. Briefly, 1196 women (256 pregnant and 940 mothers) participated in the study; 68.0% of pregnant women and 66.2% of mothers declared that they had received COVID-19 vaccination. The most frequently stated reasons not to get vaccinated were possible adverse effects on the mother, fetus or breastfed child, post-vaccination complications and limited scientific evidence on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. The identified predictors of avoiding COVID-19 vaccination are young age, residing in small cities or rural areas, cohabitation, low anxiety level regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection, and little knowledge concerning maternal vaccine-induced immune protection delivered to offspring. Despite the unlimited access to COVID-19 vaccination, the declared level of vaccination is worryingly low. The knowledge concerning the benefits of vaccination to mothers and their offspring is not satisfactory and requires urgent educational action, particularly among young women living outside big cities and single motherhood.
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Kakaraparthi VN, Alshahrani MS, Reddy RS, Samuel PS, Tedla JS, Dixit S, Gautam AP, Rengaramanujam K, Gular K, Kakaraparthi L, Ahmad I. Anxiety, depression, worry, and stress-related perceptions among antenatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic: Single group repeated measures design. Indian J Psychiatry 2022; 64:64-72. [PMID: 35400735 PMCID: PMC8992752 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_1359_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread across the globe, which has affected the health of all populations including antenatal women. AIMS The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and worry in antenatal women during COVID-19 compared with the pre-COVID-19 levels and to evaluate the associations between the sociodemographic factors of antenatal women and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS)-D, HADS-A, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Brief Measure of Worry Severity (BMWS) scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single group repeated measures design was conducted on 101 antenatal women who were referred to outpatient antenatal clinics from January 2020 (pre-COVID-19) to April 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). Data were collected using four questionnaires including the HADS, GAD-7 scale, PSS, and BMWS. RESULTS Antenatal women (n = 101, Mage = 32.73 years, standard deviation = 5.67) during COVID-19 demonstrated significantly increased (P < 0.001) levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and worry compared with pre-COVID-19 levels. Multiple regression analysis indicated that panic disorder was significantly associated with HADS, PSS, and BMWS scores; pregnancy complications were significantly associated with HADS scores; associated health problems were significantly associated with PSS and BMWS scores; and current anxiety, depression, stress, and worry were significantly associated with HADS, GAD-7, and BMWS scores in antenatal women during COVID-19. CONCLUSION Increased attention should be paid to the psychological health of antenatal women during this COVID-19 pandemic. Proper management of this current catastrophe is likely to result in global changes in social experiences, and interventions are necessary to address associated changes in mental health, especially among antenatal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mastour Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ravi Shankar Reddy
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul Silvian Samuel
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaya Shanker Tedla
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Snehil Dixit
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajay Prashad Gautam
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanagaraj Rengaramanujam
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kumar Gular
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Takubo Y, Tsujino N, Aikawa Y, Fukiya K, Iwai M, Uchino T, Ito M, Akiba Y, Mizuno M, Nemoto T. Psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on one-month postpartum mothers in a metropolitan area of Japan. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:845. [PMID: 34963448 PMCID: PMC8713041 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has recently become the most important issue in the world. Very few reports in Japan have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on peripartum mental health. We examined the status of postpartum mental health before and during COVID-19 pandemic from a consecutive database in a metropolitan area of Japan. Methods The subjects were women who had completed a maternity health check-up at a core regional hospital in Yokohama during the period from April 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. We collected the subjects’ scores for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at 1 month postpartum. The subjects were divided into four groups (three Before COVID-19 groups and a During COVID-19 group). MANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to determine mental health changes in the postpartum period among the four groups. Results The Before and During COVID-19 groups contained 2844 and 1095 mothers, respectively. There were no significant difference in the total scores of the EPDS and MIBS among the four groups. However, the EPDS items related to anxiety factors were significantly higher and the EPDS items related to anhedonia and depression factors (excluding thoughts of self-harm) were significantly lower in the During COVID-19 group. Conclusion The EPDS scores changed in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, which represent hypervigilance, was significantly higher and anhedonia and depression were significantly lower in the During COVID-19 group. Our results may reflect COVID-19-related health concerns and a lack of social support caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youji Takubo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, 5-21-16 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8765, Japan
| | - Naohisa Tsujino
- Department of Psychiatry, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8765, Japan. .,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, 6-11-1 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan.
| | - Yuri Aikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8765, Japan
| | - Kazuyo Fukiya
- Department of Psychiatry, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8765, Japan
| | - Momoko Iwai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, 6-11-1 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Takashi Uchino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, 6-11-1 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Megumu Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8765, Japan
| | - Yasuo Akiba
- Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, 3-6-1 Shimosueyoshi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-8765, Japan
| | - Masafumi Mizuno
- Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital, 2-1-1 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-0057, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nemoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, 6-11-1 Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
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Campos-Garzón C, Riquelme-Gallego B, de la Torre-Luque A, Caparrós-González RA. Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Women: A Scoping Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:181. [PMID: 34940116 PMCID: PMC8698569 DOI: 10.3390/bs11120181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During the gestation period, pregnant women experience physical and psychological changes, which represent vulnerability factors that can boost the development of mental health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic is producing new changes in the routines of the whole society, especially on lifestyle habits. The psychological impact associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and pregnant women remains unclear. A scoping review regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women was conducted. Searchers were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Articles in Spanish, English and French were included. The search was conducted between November 2020 and September 2021. We identified 31 studies that evaluated 30,049 expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women showed high levels of anxiety and depression symptomatology. Fear of contagion and concerns regarding the health of the fetus were identified as the main variables related to psychological distress. An increase of the levels of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst pregnant women has been observed. Moreover, an increased vulnerability of the fetus due to placental metabolic alterations is discussed. This review suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a negative psychological impact on pregnant women. Thus, high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms suggest the need for a systematic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Campos-Garzón
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.C.-G.); (R.A.C.-G.)
| | - Blanca Riquelme-Gallego
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.C.-G.); (R.A.C.-G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro de la Torre-Luque
- Center of Biomedical Research in Mental Health, Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Complutense University of Madrid, CIBERSAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael A. Caparrós-González
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.C.-G.); (R.A.C.-G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
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The risk and protective factors of heightened prenatal anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 lockdown. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20261. [PMID: 34642429 PMCID: PMC8511267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While pregnant women are already at-risk for developing symptoms of anxiety and depression, this is heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared anxiety and depression symptoms, as indicators of psychological distress, before and during COVID-19, and investigated the role of partner, social network and healthcare support on COVID-19-related worries and consequently on psychological distress. A national survey, conducted during the first lockdown in The Netherlands, assessed COVID-19 experiences and psychological distress (N = 1421), whereas a comparison sample (N = 1439) was screened for psychological distress in 2017-2018. During COVID-19, the percentage of mothers scoring above the questionnaires' clinical cut-offs doubled for depression (6% and 12%) and anxiety (24% and 52%). Women reported increased partner support during COVID-19, compared to pre-pandemic, but decreased social and healthcare support. Higher support resulted in lower COVID-19-related worries, which in turn contributed to less psychological distress. Results suggest that a global pandemic exerts a heavy toll on pregnant women's mental health. Psychological distress was substantially higher during the pandemic than the pre-pandemic years. We identified a protective role of partner, social, and healthcare support, with important implications for the current and future crisis management. Whether increased psychological distress is transient or persistent, and whether and how it affects the future generation remains to be determined.
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Ahmad M, Vismara L. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Mental Health during Pregnancy: A Rapid Evidence Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7112. [PMID: 34281049 PMCID: PMC8297318 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perinatal period is a particularly vulnerable period in women's lives that implies significant physiological and psychological changes that can place women at higher risk for depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is likely to increase this vulnerability and the prevalence of mental health problems. This review aimed to investigate the existing literature on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. METHOD The literature search was conducted using the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, WOS-web of science, PsycInfo and Google Scholar. Out of the total of 116 initially selected papers, 17 have been included in the final work, according to the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The reviewed contributions report a moderate to severe impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of pregnant women, mainly in the form of a significant increase in depression-up to 58% in Spain-and anxiety symptoms-up to 72% in Canada. In addition to the common psychological symptoms, COVID-19-specific worries emerged with respect to its potential effects on pregnancy and the well-being of the unborn child. Social support and being engaged in regular physical activities appear to be protective factors able to buffer against the effects of the pandemic on maternal mental health. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limitations of the study design, the evidence suggests that it is essential to provide appropriate psychological support to pregnant women during the emergency in order to protect their mental health and to minimize the risks of long-term effects on child development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, Faculty of Human Studies, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
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Perinatal Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review and Implications for Clinical Practice. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112406. [PMID: 34072357 PMCID: PMC8199229 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented to decelerate its spread have consequences for mental health of societies. The aim of our review was to analyze depressive and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women. The search used PubMed and Web of Science databases. Most studies showed an increase in the prevalence of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Risk factors identified in our study were mainly related to the possibility of COVID-19 infection, changes in the organization of perinatal care, social isolation and financial problems. Protective factors included social support, the woman’s own activity and knowledge about COVID-19. The results of our study point to the importance of the mental health screening including suicide risk assessment in perinatal women. Much of the mental health needs of perinatal women can be met in primary or perinatal care services; however, women with mental health issues should be offered psychiatric consultations and psychological support, and sometimes urgent psychiatric hospitalization is necessary. Healthcare professionals should provide information addressing uncertainty about COVID-19, organization of midwifery and medical care as well as mental health problems and how to get help. Mental health interventions in pregnant women may involve planning physical activity and encouraging to engage in online social activities.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a critical impact on healthcare systems across the world, as well as on mental health in the general population; however, evidence regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with schizophrenia and on the onset of psychotic symptoms is currently emerging. RECENT FINDINGS People living with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of COVID-19 and present worse COVID-19-related outcomes, including mortality. They show low levels of information and of concern regarding the possibility of contagion and infection but presented substantially stable levels of psychotic symptoms and even increased subjective well being during the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2, as well as the prolonged social isolation and the spread of misinformation, appear to be responsible in some cases for the onset of psychotic symptoms. SUMMARY Clinicians should inform and educate their patients on the risks related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 and on the precautions that they should adopt to avoid contagion. Particular attention should be devoted to maintaining the continuity of care, especially in frail patients. Telemedicine might represent a valid support, but face-to-face visits in some cases remain essential. The hypothesis of a direct role of viral infection on the onset of psychotic disorders is currently debated, as viral involvement of central nervous system appears to be rather infrequent in COVID-19.
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15
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Nurrizka RH, Nurdiantami Y, Makkiyah FA. Psychological outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2021; 12:80-87. [PMID: 33979998 PMCID: PMC8102875 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to analyze the psychological outcomes of pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in several areas that are epicenters for the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Indonesia. Methods This cross-sectional study used data obtained from an online survey administered to 120 women who were pregnant and gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The psychological condition of pregnant women was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 questionnaire which was modified for conditions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We classified pregnant women into 2 groups according to their psychological condition: pregnant women who experienced anxiety and pregnant women who did not experience anxiety or felt normal. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was undertaken for the 2 groups. This study also used univariate analysis and bivariate analysis. Results The results of the ROC analysis resulted in a cutoff score of 3.56. The proportion of respondents who felt anxious was 53.3% and the proportion of respondents who did not feel anxious or felt normal was 46.7%. Anxiety was most common among pregnant women with high education levels, gestational age <19 weeks, and working pregnant women. Conclusion Maternal health services need to be performed with strict health protocols, complemented by pregnancy counseling services. This will provide a feeling of comfort and safety as pregnant women receive health services and give birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmah Hida Nurrizka
- Department of Public Health, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Public Health, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yuri Nurdiantami
- Department of Public Health, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Feda Anisah Makkiyah
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
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16
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Diaz A, Baweja R, Bonatakis JK, Baweja R. Global health disparities in vulnerable populations of psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:94-108. [PMID: 33889535 PMCID: PMC8040151 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i4.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affects psychiatric patients disproportionately compared to the general population. In this narrative review, we examine the impact of the pandemic on significant global health disparities affecting vulnerable populations of psychiatric patients: People of diverse ethnic background and color, children with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, pregnant women, mature adults, and those patients living in urban and rural communities. The identified disparities cause worsened mental health outcomes placing psychiatric patients at higher risk for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Those psychiatric patients who are ethnic minorities display barriers to care, including collective trauma and structural racism. Sexual and gender minorities with mental illness face discrimination and limited access to treatment. Pregnant women with psychiatric diagnoses show higher exposure to domestic violence. Children with disabilities face a higher risk of worsening behavior. Mature adults with psychiatric problems show depression due to social isolation. Psychiatric patients who live in urban communities face pollutants and overcrowding compared to those living in rural communities, which face limited access to telehealth services. We suggest that social programs that decrease discrimination, enhance communal resilience, and help overcome systemic barriers of care should be developed to decrease global health disparities in vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailyn Diaz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Ritika Baweja
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Jessica K Bonatakis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Raman Baweja
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
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