A Study on the Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Depression: An Observational Study among the Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the pregnant women both physically and mentally. This study is conducted to assess, the impact on COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric symptoms among pregnancy and to compare them with non-pregnant women.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted at Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Ooty (Udhagamandalam). A validated Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to screen the mental health status. Categorical variables were analysed using Chi-square test and continuous variables by independent test. A Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to check the association of Edinburgh postnatal depression scores with the demographic characteristics. Paired test was conducted to find the difference in EPDS scores at baseline and study conclusion visit. Regression analysis was conducted to predict the outcome variables.

RESULTS

The Edinburgh Depression scores were significantly higher in the pregnant women group, (12.48 ± 3.753 vs. 8.00 ± 2.436; value = 0.001; 95% CI 3.340-5.627), when compared to non-pregnant women (12.90 ± 3.731 vs. 9.20 ± 2.973; value = 0.001; 95% CI 2.480-4.920). The Edinburgh Depression scores at the study conclusion visit was statistically significant, (11.05 ± 3.839 vs. 10.24 ± 3.872; value = 0.008; 95% CI -1.40 to -0.213). Education, income, duration of marriage, body mass index, and suicidal ideation are some of the predictors identified in this study to cause depression among pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study indicate a clinically significant increase of depressive symptoms among pregnant women. It is recommended to include routine psychological screenings and interventions during pregnancy.