Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Affecting Factors in Pregnant Women in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Psychiatr Danub. 2021 Summer;33(2):231-239. doi: 10.24869/psyd.2021.231.

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnants. COVID-19 pandemic can cause PTSD symptoms in pregnant women. This descriptive study aims to determine the post-traumatic stress disorder and affecting factors in pregnant women in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjects and methods: A total of 445 pregnant women completed "Data Collection Form" and "DSM-5 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5)".

Results: The mean total PCL-5 score of the pregnant women was found to be 57.27±17.90. There was a significant difference between PCL-5 and gestational week, parity, the idea that the COVID-19 outbreak would cause a problem in childbirth, the presence of a COVID-19 in one of the family members/a loved one, the status of following COVID-19 - related developments (p<0.05).

Conclusions: It is important for health professionals to evaluate the psychological effects of the pandemic in pregnants during antenatal period.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Parturition
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Stress, Psychological