The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and stress levels in pregnant women: a national survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico

Abstract

Background

COVID-19 outbreak has been associated with a wide variety of psychiatric manifestations such as panic, anxiety, and depression. We aim to assess the impact of the COVID − 19 pandemic on the levels of stress and depression of pregnant women in Mexico.

Methods

A cross-sectional web survey was carried out in pregnant women in 10 states of the Mexican Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic among public and private hospitals. The perception of stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, while depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results

A total of 549 surveys were applied, of which 96.1% (n = 503) were included in the data analysis. The mean participant’s age was 28.1 years old. The mean perceived stress scale score was 24. 33.2% (n = 167) of participants had a score equal to 27 points or more and were considered highly stressed. The mean depression score was 9. A total of 17.5% (n = 88) participants had more than 14 points on the Edinburgh’s depression scale, and were considered depressed. Stress levels were higher at later gestational ages (p = .008).

Conclusions

COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental health issues in pregnant women reflected by high perceived stress levels and depression.

Keywords:

• Pregnancy
• Coronavirus
• depression
• anxiety
• mental health

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Alejandra Itzel Contreras-Rivas; Patricio Guerra-Ulloa; Arabella Guadalupe Sanchez-Garcia; Maria Veronica Lopez-Parra; Perla Coral Rodriguez-Estrada; Juan Carlos De-Leon-Carbajal; Jhoana Elizabeth Hernandez-Muños; Veronica Lopez-Parra; for their help during the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).