Impact of coronavirus 2019 pandemic on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among pregnant women in Jordan

• Published in: Women's health (London, England) England), 2022, Vol.18, p.17455057221112935-17455057221112935
• Main Authors: Bataineh, Mo’ath F, Mohamad, Maysm N, Al Dhaheri, Ayesha S, Rawashdeh, Monketh, Al-Nawaiseh, Ali M, Asali, Fida F, Hashim, Mona, Jarrar, Amjad, Abu Jamous, Dima O, Stojanovska, Lily, Daour, Rameez Al, Saleh, Sheima T, Osaili, Tareq M, Cheikh Ismail, Leila
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Gestational age; Mental disorders; Mental health; Obstetrics; Pandemics; Post traumatic stress disorder; Pregnancy; Psychological stress; Signs and symptoms; Sociodemographics; The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Health; Womens health
• ISSN: 1745-5057; 1745-5065
• DOI: 10.1177/17455057221112935

Objective: To examine the prevalence of psychological symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak among pregnant women and its association with gestational age and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and November 2020 to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in pregnancy using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Pregnant women 18 years and older were recruited from antenatal and obstetrics clinics in Jordan. A total of 481 pregnant women participated in an online survey developed on Google Forms. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, mental health information, and lifestyle changes. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Perceived Support Scale, and the Mental Health Lifestyle Scale were administered. Variables related to sociodemographic information and dietary behavior and perception during the COVID-19 pandemic were also assessed. Results: The results showed that 58.6% of pregnant women reported the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and women in the second trimester were more likely to show post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms compared with the first and third trimesters (p = 0.001). Moreover, a higher level of education, employment, poor dietary habits, and changes due to the pandemic were significantly associated with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised score and the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with high rates of psychological distress among pregnant women. Identifying mothers at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may help improve maternity services and prevent adverse child outcomes.