The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a SARS-CoV-2 testing programme on obstetric patients and healthcare workers

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the specific impact of a universal SARS-CoV-2 testing programme on obstetric patients and healthcare workers at The Ottawa Hospital. Methods: This was a follow-up survey study of obstetric healthcare workers and then-pregnant patients who participated in a SARS-CoV-2 testing programme conducted in The Ottawa Hospital obstetrical triage units from 19 October to 17 November 2020. Surveys explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the testing programme on participants’ psychological well-being. Responses were collected from April to September 2021. Descriptive summary statistics were calculated for both groups. Results: During hospitalization for delivery, obstetric patients (n = 143) worried about giving COVID-19 to their new baby (88.11%), catching COVID-19 (83.22%), and giving COVID-19 to their partner (76.22%). Patients felt relief at being tested for COVID-19 during the universal testing programme (24.65%) and at getting their results (28.87%). Patients also believed that universal SARS-CoV-2 testing was a good way to slow COVID-19 spread (79.72%), reduce anxiety (75.52%), and increase relief (76.22%). In addition, patients felt good about participating in research that could help others (91.61%). Among obstetric healthcare workers (n = 94), job satisfaction decreased and job stress increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The universal testing programme led to minor increases in healthcare worker job stress and burden, particularly among nurses, but the majority (85.23%) believed it was a valuable research initiative. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative psychological impact on obstetric patients and healthcare workers. Universal SARS-CoV-2 testing was generally viewed favourably and may serve as an effective strategy for estimating COVID-19 prevalence without adding undue stress onto patients and healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Maternal Health Considerations: Highlighting and advancing opportunities for improved maternal health

“…Of timely concern was the work produced by Ross et al 23 in which the psychological impact of COVID-19 testing was evaluated in a Canadian context. Incredible disruption was made throughout the healthcare system to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent variants of concern internationally.…”

“…These anecdotal and documented public health measures included routine testing to enable access to hospitals and the admission of birth partners and supports were heavily scrutinised at one of the most vulnerable times in a woman’s life. Ross et al 23 further describe the concern of infecting others and how that stress and strain were also among healthcare workers in obstetrics as well. While it was an important step in maintaining health, it may have amplified an already stressful time in the lives of those involved.…”

Hubungan Tingkat Kecemasan Ibu Hamil pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Kepatuhan Melakukan Antenatal Care di Rumah Sakit Abdul Moeloek Bandar Lampung

“…Ibu hamil sangat rentan terhadap gangguan kecemasan. Pandemi COVID-19 menjadi salah satu faktor yang meningkatkan terjadinya kecemasan pada kelompok ini (Bender et al, 2020;Padila, 2014;Ross et al, 2022) Dari 54 subjek, terdapat 18 subjek (33,4%) mengalami kecemasan dengan tingkatan yang berbeda, yaitu 7 subjek (13,0%) pada level ringan, 7 subjek (13,0%) pada level sedang, dan 4 subjek (7,4%) pada level berat. kecemasan.…”