Anxiety Levels and Behavioral Changes among Pregnant Women Amidst the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic at Fauziah Mother and Child Hospital Tulungagung, East Java

Abstract

AIM: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has reportedly leaded to anxiety in women during pregnancy around the world. Anxiety during pregnancy is known to have negative outcomes for pregnancy and the baby. The aim of this study is to describe anxiety levels and behavioral changes of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic at Fauziah Mother and Child Hospital Tulungagung, East Java. METHODS: This descriptive study involved 30 pregnant women. The instrument used was a questionnaire asking about socio-demographic characteristics, gestational age, and the number of children, a questionnaire to assess attitudes and behavioral changes, and Generalized anxiety disorder-7-item Scale. RESULTS: About 66.6% of pregnant women exhibited had mild anxiety levels, while 16.7% of them had moderate anxiety levels. Most pregnant women worried about their own, their children’s, unborn babies, and their elderly family members’ health, worked from home, avoided large-scale social activities and gatherings, and limited visits to health facilities. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic increases the likelihood of anxiety symptoms and changes in attitudes and behaviors in pregnant women.