The socioeconomic apprehensions of a pregnant woman around COVID-19 – Do we need to be worried?

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become the most severe intercontinental health challenge and pregnant women are deemed to be a special population group. The COVID-19-related restrictions on visiting the hospital for antenatal check-up and procedures may be distressing for them. The present study aims at assessing the level of anxiety and risk perception of pregnant women during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included all pregnant women who were above 18 years of age, irrespective of their gestational age. They were administered the pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire via face-to-face interview. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on women's experience including her worries were collected. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 22. Results: A total of 130 pregnant women with a mean maternal age of 26.1 ± 6.5 years were enrolled in the study. The mean gestational age of the women was 19 ± 4.7 weeks and most of them were in the second trimester (48.5%). Most of the pregnant women encountered the adverse socioeconomic influence of COVID-19 on their daily life (55.6% somewhat, 9.1% moderately so, 1.1% very much). Majority of them reported that they had limited their social activities (78.5%) and amorous relationship with their partner (30.8%). Also, around 59.2% of antenatal women experienced a moderate level and 40.7% had a mild level of anxiety. Conclusion: It is essential for obstetric providers to do prompt identification of mental health concerns in perinatal women and to liaise with mental health professionals to provide relevant interference.

Keywords

• anxiety
• covid-19
• mental health
• pandemic
• pregnancy