A case-control study on the severity postpartum depression among COVID19 positive mother

Abstract

Background: COVID19 pandemic has caused a variety of psychological problems including panic disorder, anxiety and depression. It is also associated with adverse psychological outcomes in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to compare the severity of postpartum depression in pregnant women with and without COVID-19 during the coronavirus epidemic.

Methods: This case-control study was performed on 102 pregnant women referred to the hospitals of (XXX). Using questionnaire, consisting of demographic and maternal data (age, number of pregnancies, type of delivery, history of any disease, history of drug use, breastfeeding experience, separation of mother from infant due to coronavirus) and score from Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) score data from all the participants obtained and analyzed statistically using SPSSv23.

Results: The results showed that the mean EPDS score in COVID-positive mothers was 26.64 and in COVID-negative mothers was 24.76, which was statistically significant, p < 0.001. The score did not vary among the two group with respect to age group and type of delivery method. The score was significantly higher among the women with 3-4 pregnancies.

Conclusion: COVID-positive status is associated with increased postnatal depression among women. Perinatal and postnatal psychological consultancy is required in such patients along with monitoring of maternal and neonate physical and mental health.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID19; CRP, C-reactive protein; Depression; EPDS, Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale; Mental health; Panic disorder; Pregnant women; SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.