Prevalence and risk factors of anxious and depressive symptoms in first-trimester females and their partners: a study during the pandemic era of COVID-19 in China

Abstract

Background The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 lastingly affects public mental health. Many studies have described symptoms of anxiety and depression in pregnant women before the pandemic. However, the limited study focuses on the prevalence and risk factors of mood symptoms among first-trimester females and their partners during the pandemic in China, which was the aim of the study. Methods One hundred and sixty-nine first-trimester couples were enrolled. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item, Family Assessment Device-General Functioning (FAD-GF), and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) were applied. Data were mainly analyzed through logistic regression analysis. Results 17.75% and 5.92% of first-trimester females had depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. Among partners, 11.83% and 9.47% had depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. In females, higher scores of FAD-GF (OR = 5.46 and 13.09; P < 0.05) and lower scores of Q-LES-Q-SF (OR = 0.83 and 0.70; P < 0.01) were related to the risk of depressive and anxious symptoms. Higher scores of FAD-GF were associated with the risk of depressive and anxious symptoms in partners (OR = 3.95 and 6.89; P < 0.05). A history of smoking was also related to males’ depressive symptoms (OR = 4.49; P < 0.05). Conclusion This study prompted prominent mood symptoms during the pandemic. Family functioning, quality of life, and smoking history increased risks of mood symptoms among early pregnant families, which facilitated the updating of medical intervention. However, the current study did not explore interventions based on these findings.

Prevalence of Perinatal Anxiety and Related Disorders in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…Generalized anxiety disorder (including anxiety not specified) was the most commonly reported anxiety disorder, examined by 184 of 203 studies (90.6%) . The pooled point prevalence for generalized anxiety disorder was 22.2% (95% CI, 19.4%-25.0%; n = 173 553).…”

“…Our search identified 10 617 studies; 1231 full texts were reviewed, and of these, 203 studies were included (Figure 1; eTable 2 in Supplement 1). Cumulatively, outcomes were reported for 212 318 perinatal women (from conception to 12 months post birth) from 33 LMICs. The prevalence estimates of 6 anxiety and related disorders were reported: generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and adjustment disorder.…”

Hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with diabetes have an increased risk for pneumonia, intensive care unit requirement, intubation, and death: A cross‐sectional cohort study in Mexico in 2020

“…[15][16][17] Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of severe complications and poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients, as it can damage the respiratory system and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the virus. 18 Obesity and hypertension are two comorbidities that are frequently present in diabetes patients and can raise the risk of respiratory problems. [19][20][21] Diabetes is thought to increase the incidence of respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, and can have a detrimental effect on the prognosis of patients with respiratory illnesses because chronic inflammation might impair the immune system.…”

“…Comorbidities like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and smoking are very common in Mexico, which raises the risk of COVID‐19 15‐17 . Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of severe complications and poor outcomes in COVID‐19 patients, as it can damage the respiratory system and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the virus 18 …”

“… 15 , 16 , 17 Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of severe complications and poor outcomes in COVID‐19 patients, as it can damage the respiratory system and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the virus. 18 …”