Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Pregnant Women During the Spread of COVID-19 Virus in Jordan.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 infection showed serious psychological influences on pregnant women's mental health that required psychological evaluation and intervention to overcome the negative consequences developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress among pregnant women during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional correlation study was carried out among pregnant women in Jordan. From April to June 2022, data were collected from three hospitals in Jordan (two public and one private). The Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 items (DASS-21) was used to collect the data. Data were collected from 355 participants and then analyzed.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women experienced mild levels of stress (mean (SD) =14.43, 4.46) and anxiety (mean (SD) =9.06, 4.60), with no depression (mean (SD) = 8.12, 4.04). Jordanian women had lower stress levels (mean (SD) =13.07, 4.49) compared to non-Jordanian women (mean (SD) =15.15, 4.32) (t = 5.26, p < .05). Employed women (mean (SD) = 15.74, 4.39) had higher stress levels than non-employed women (mean (SD) =12.76, 4.73) (t = 3.35, p < .05). Women with a bachelor's degree or higher (mean (SD) =15.64, 4.44) also experienced more stress than those with less education (mean (SD) =12.96, 4.20) (t = 2.63, p < .05). No statistically significant differences in stress levels were found based on marital status or pregnancy stage (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study emphasizes the importance of integrating targeted antenatal support for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Elevated stress levels emphasize the need for proactive measures to prevent maternal complications. Practical steps to address these challenges are crucial, promoting the well-being of expectant mothers and enhancing the resilience of maternal healthcare systems.