Perinatal anxiety and depression amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Pregnancy and COVID-19 increase the risk of mental health conditions. The stress of pregnancy, childbirth, and uncertainty about the global pandemic has negatively impacted the obstetric population. To study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of anxiety and depression (Point Prevalence) in antenatal and postnatal mothers using the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale) scale and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)-7 scale at Dubai Hospital, UAE. Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Of the 784 women approached, 438 gave consent to participate in our survey, and 43.6% of the women screened positive for depression by the EDPS scale with a cutoff of 10 or more as significant. 42% of the women had a GAD-7 score of 5 or more indicating anxiety. 32.4% of the women had both anxiety and depression. 7.5% had considered self-harm in the last 14 days. 15% had COVID-19 during this pregnancy. The 11.87% who had COVID-19, but prior to the pregnancy, had a higher mean EDPS and GAD-7 score than others. Surprisingly, the women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy had statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower EDPS and lower GAD-7 scores. University graduates had significantly (p < 0.05) higher EDPS and GAD scores. Women of middle eastern ethnicity (50% positive for depression and 48.5% positive for anxiety) were more prone to depression and anxiety compared to South Asian (29% positive for depression and 25.2% positive for anxiety) and African women (39.6% positive for depression and 43.4% positive for anxiety). There was no statistically significant difference between antenatal and postnatal patients for the prevalence of anxiety or depression. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety in pregnant and postnatal women. Women who were more concerned about the effects of the pandemic had higher mean EDPS and GAD scores. Additional psychological support for women is necessary during the pandemic for maternal perinatal well-being.