Prenatal anxiety and the associated factors among Chinese pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic\u2014\u2014a smartphone questionnaire survey study

Can Cui,Kristin K Sznajder,Lingling Zhai,Xiaoshi Yang,Weiyu Zhang,Jiana Wang,Xiaocai Wang,Fengzhi Yang,Xiao Sun

doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03624-1

Abstract

BackgroundsThe uncertainty of the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought about tremendous psychological harm for pregnant women, causing their high rates of prenatal anxiety. The impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of pregnant status are highly linked with prenatal anxiety. Whereas, self-efficacy and support from family and friends could attenuate the development of prenatal anxiety. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of prenatal anxiety and its influence factors among pregnant women during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Shenyang, China.MethodsA cross-sectional study with face-to-face interview between April 24, 2020 and May 3, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic was applied among pregnant women in Shenyang Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Chi-square tests were calculated to determine the differences in prenatal anxiety among categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to investigate the risk factors of prenatal anxiety.ResultsThe percentage of prenatal anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 7) among pregnant women during the pandemic of COVID-19 was 34/304 (11.18%). Logistic regression indicated that vomiting (OR 4.454, 95% CI 1.113–17.821) and feeling susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 2.966, 95% CI 1.151–7.642) increased the odds of prenatal anxiety. Satisfaction with medical care (OR 0.303, 95% CI 0.113–0.813) and self-efficacy (OR 0.253, 95% CI 0.100–0.639) decreased the odds of prenatal anxiety. High monthly income (OR 0.246, 95% CI 0.078 ~ 0.780) reduced the chances of suffering from prenatal anxiety.ConclusionThe pregnant women in China exerted a higher prevalence of prenatal anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic than that without COVID-19 pandemic. Effective management on symptoms of pregnant status should be delivered to relieve prenatal anxiety for the pregnant women. Furthermore, interventions on self-efficacy enhancement and high-quality medical prenatal care should be provided to prevent from the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce prenatal anxiety.

Highlights

Pregnant women experience considerable physical and psychological changes in the process of pregnancy, which may elevate their likelihood of suffering from mental disorders [1, 2]
Logistic regression indicated that vomiting and feeling susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the odds of prenatal anxiety
Satisfaction with medical care and self-efficacy decreased the odds of prenatal anxiety

Summary

Introduction

Pregnant women experience considerable physical and psychological changes in the process of pregnancy, which may elevate their likelihood of suffering from mental disorders [1, 2]. Anxiety may have inimical consequences on the outcomes of pregnancy, increasing the risks of preeclampsia, nausea and vomiting, resulting in preterm labor or miscarriage and reduced quality of life [14, 15]. It may result in adverse effects on the newborns including low birth weight, negative infant temperaments, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes [16]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion