E-ISSN 2757-8062
Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Year: 2023

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Mental Health of Pregnant Women during the Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 waves [Zeynep Kamil Med J]
Zeynep Kamil Med J. Ahead of Print: ZKMJ-48751 | DOI: 10.14744/zkmj.2023.48751

Mental Health of Pregnant Women during the Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 waves

ESRA Keles1, Leyla Kaya2, Zahide Kaya3, Zeynep Çelik4, Neşe Yakşi5
1University Of Health Sciences Turkey, Kartal Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, Department Of Gynecologic Oncology, Istanbul, Turkey
2University Of Health Sciences Turkey, Zeynep Kamil Women And Children's Diseases Training And Research Hospital, Gynecology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
3Uskudar State Hospital, Internal Medicine Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
4University Of Health Sciences, Zeynep Kamil Women And Children’s Disease Training And Research Hospital, Department Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Istanbul, Turkey.
5Amasya University School Of Medicine, Department Of Public Health, Amasya, Turkey

INTRODUCTION: To investigate whether is there any differences in the mental health of pregnant women during Delta and Omicron COVID-19 waves and to determine the variables related to the symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety of pregnant women.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021 (Delta wave) and March to June 2022 (Omicron wave). Pregnant women were evaluated using a questionnaire consisting of sections assessing sociodemographic characteristics, the perceived burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, and psychometric instruments: Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and Perception of causes of COVID-19 scale.
RESULTS: DASS anxiety, depression, and stress subscales scores were higher in the Delta wave than in the Omicron wave (p<0.001). Mothers' anxiety and fears about their own health and the health of their babies were higher in the Delta wave than in the Omicron wave (p<0.001). DASS symptoms were found to be associated with education level, employment, income, and weight gain during pregnancy (all p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study indicated that stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were higher in pregnant women in the Delta wave than in the Omicron wave. Recommended implementation of mental health promotion, prevention and intervention strategies to support pregnant women during epidemics.

Keywords: COVID-19, Delta wave, depression, mental health, Omicron wave, pregnancy



Corresponding Author: ESRA Keles, Türkiye
Manuscript Language: English
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