BACKGROUND: It is evident that the Novel Coronavirus Diseases pandemic inevitably resulted in increased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, and COVID-19 has added risk to women pregnant during the pandemic. AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the emotional difficulties in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19. The current study estimated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among 63 pregnant ladies who tested positive for COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were interviewed in the outpatient department of the child and maternity clinic 2weeks after the infection. The interview scale used was DASS-21. The data was analysed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS: We found the mean age of participants was 33.5±7.4. We found that 38.1% of the females were having positive bad obstetric history. The Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 33.32%, 50.83%, and 60.3% respectively. In correlation analysis, notably bad obstetric history and working females were significant independent factors for higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress. The depression was also found more in literate females and in third trimester. CONCLUSION: The study indicates high levels of emotional difficulties in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19. This calls for extra measures to promote the mental health and resilience of pregnant females, especially during a crises situation.
Depression, Anxiety and Stress in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID-19- a Cross-sectional study from South Kashmir India