Investigation of Postpartum Anxiety Levels of Women in the COVID-19 Pandemic Process

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determined the postpartum anxiety levels of women during the COVID-19 pandemic process.
 Methods: This study was a descriptive study. This study was carried out at the obstetrics and gynecology service of a hospital between July 2020 and January 2021. This study was conducted with 271 Turkish women. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
 Results: The mean age of the women participating in the study was detected 28.25 ± 5.04. In the present study, the postnatal State Anxiety (STAI-S) mean scores of women were found 43.03 ± 4.08 and their Trait Anxiety (STAI-T) mean scores were found 47.34 ± 5.50. In the study, it was determined that the education level of women, the number of receiving prenatal care services, experience fear due to COVID-19 infection, worry about themselves and their baby due to COVID-19 infection affected the State Anxiety level (p = 0.005; p = 0.010; p = 0.033; p = 0.037; p = 0.011; p = 0.017). Also, women's worry about their baby also affects the level of Trait Anxiety.
 Conclusion and Suggestions: In the current study, it was determined that postpartum State-Trait Anxiety of women during the COVID-19 pandemic process were "moderate". Accordingly; Determining the postpartum anxiety levels of women will create the basis for implementing specific interventions in terms of maternal-newborn health.