Associations between Anxiety, Depression and Background Characteristics among Pregnant Women in Iran during COVID-19

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic affects both physical and mental health in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine factors predicting such symptoms. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 434 pregnant women entering the prenatal clinic of Kosar Hospital in Qazvin Province of Iran in 2021. Data were collected using three questionnaires including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), and a socio-demographic checklist. Prevalence rates were calculated, association of depression/ anxiety with prior COVID-19 infection was analyzed and logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of symptoms. Results Of mothers, 60.1% were at risk of anxiety disorder. The percent of mothers at risk for anxiety disorder was statistically different (p < .05) between those who planned (57.7%) vs those with unplanned pregnancy (68.8%). In addition, 29.8% of mothers were at high risk of having a depressive disorder and 7% of had thought about harming themselves. Prior infection was not associated with anxiety or depression. Logistic regression revealed that only unplanned pregnancy was associated with anxiety. Conclusion Prevalence of depression was similar to other rates found world-wide for pregnant women during the pandemic; however, prevalence of anxiety was elevated compared to rates world-wide. Anxious and depressive symptoms were not related to history of COVID-19 infection. Pregnant women should be screened for anxiety and depression during and following pregnancy in order to determine need for services.