Mental health in pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic based on a Swiss online survey

Abstract

The aim of our study was to evaluate the mental health of pregnant individuals during the early COVID-19 pandemic and the potential factors associated. A Swiss online survey was proposed to individuals who gave birth during the pandemic period from March 2020. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 questions (GAD-7), and Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were evaluated and used to defined mental health impairment as a composite outcome. From October, 2020 to February, 2021, 736 participants responded. The anxiety GAD-7 score was moderate in 9.6% and severe in 2.0%. The EPDS was moderate in 21.5% and severe in 32.9%. The IES-R was moderate in 10.3% and severe in 3.9%. Mental health impairment was reported in 37.0%. The association between the risk of mental health impairment and foreign nationality was significant (OR = 1.48; 95%CI [1.06–2.05]) as well as fetal and pregnancy worries because of coronavirus (OR = 1.46; 95% CI [1.08–1.98]) and 1.65; 95% CI [1.22–2.24]). Adjusted ORs were significant for foreign nationality (aOR = 1.51; 95%CI [1.07–2.13]) and pregnancy worries because of coronavirus (aOR = 1.62; 95%CI [1.10–2.40]). Pregnant people and especially foreign national have a high risk of mental health impairment during the pandemic.

A Systematic Review on the Mental Health Status of Patients Infected With Monkeypox Virus

“…The fear and anxiety of these women were far greater than those of others because they were not only concerned with themselves, but also with their newborns. These women needed special psychological help during this period [ 22 - 24 ].…”

“…Pregnant women with MPX face significant mental health challenges due to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and limited treatment options. These struggles affect society, leading to increased healthcare demands, adverse birth outcomes, and specialized care [ 22 , 23 ]. Addressing these issues is crucial to the well-being of women, ensuring safe pregnancies and ensuring the health of future generations.…”

Maternal mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: a content analysis study

“…The "infodemic" (a mass of information and sad news about COVID-19) by various sources and social media [ 54 ], was also another source of fear and anxiety among the participants. According to studies the anxiety and worries created by media were more than the awareness provided to prepare against this pandemic [ 30 , 55 – 57 ]. Limaye et al claimed that the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 was facilitated by social media platforms [ 58 ].…”