Prevalence of Postpartum Depression Following the COVID-19 Pandemic at an Urban Academic Institution [A235

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complication of pregnancy commonly occurring within the first month of delivery. Numerous risk factors are associated with PPD, including financial stressors, inadequate emotional support, and perceived social isolation. This study evaluated the impact of the implemented social restrictions to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus on the overall prevalence of PPD at an urban academic center. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort study was performed of 1,097 subjects between 1 and 8 weeks postpartum. Group 1, the control group, included 420 women with routine PPD screening prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (April 1–December 31, 2019). Group 2, our case group, included 677 women with routine PPD screening during the pandemic (April 1–December 31, 2020). Both groups completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the prevalence of PPD (defined as having an EPDS score greater than 11) was determined. Postpartum patients following fetal demise were excluded. RESULTS: The prevalence of PPD was higher in postpartum women before the COVID-19 pandemic (13.10%) when compared to postpartum women screened during the pandemic (10.78%). This increased prevalence, however, was not found to be statistically significant (P=.2474). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of PPD before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the downward trend of PPD during the pandemic may be due to quarantine recommendations allowing families/spouses to work from home. The association of PPD and specific social support systems should be evaluated further.