Abstract
To investigate depression and sexual function among pregnant and non-pregnant women throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 188 women, 96 pregnant and 92 non-pregnant were included. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were applied to the participants after obtaining sociodemographic data. The depression scores of pregnant and non-pregnant women were similar (p = 0.846). We found that the depression scores were significantly higher among the group of participants who have lower economic status (p = 0.046). Moreover, the depression score was significantly higher among women who lost their income during the pandemic (p = 0.027). The score on the ASEX was significantly higher, and sexual dysfunction was more prevalent among women who have lower levels of schooling and income (p < 0.05). Likewise, the ASEX scores were significantly higher (p = 0.019) among the group who experienced greater income loss throughout the pandemic. Upon comparing the pregnant and non-pregnant groups, we detected that sexual dysfunction had a significantly higher rate among pregnant women (p < 0.001). In times of global crisis, such as the current pandemic, low-income families have an increased risk of experiencing depression and sexual dysfunction. When we compared pregnant women with non-pregnant women, depression scores were similar, but pregnant women were at a 6.2 times higher risk of developing sexual dysfunction.
Highlights
Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began with the first suspicious cases in November 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in late December
We found that the depression scores were significantly higher among the group of participants who have lower economic status (p 1⁄4 0.046)
The score on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was significantly higher, and sexual dysfunction was more prevalent among women who have lower levels of schooling and income (p < 0.05)
Summary
Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began with the first suspicious cases in November 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in late December. The disease shortly spread throughout the world, in about three months It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 12, 2020, and the first case in Turkey was reported on March 11, 2020.1,2 The entire world is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the rapidness, depth, and scope of the pandemic. The physical, mental, and social well-being of people is being adversely affected throughout the pandemic, and the national and international measures taken against it have directly or indirectly affected people’s economic well-being. As has been the case in the global market, Turkey has experienced an increase in the unemployment rate and decreased incomes.[3] A decrease in people’s economic welfare levels in society can increase the rates of depression.[4]
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