Psychosocial experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-wide study of prevalence rates and risk factors for clinically relevant depression and anxiety.


Worrall, Semra ORCID: 0000-0002-6587-9306, Pike, Olivia ORCID: 0009-0002-8703-132X, Christiansen, Paul ORCID: 0000-0001-7534-0948, Jackson, Leanne ORCID: 0000-0003-4491-1802, De Pascalis, Leonardo ORCID: 0000-0002-9150-3468, Harrold, Joanne A ORCID: 0000-0002-0899-4586, Fallon, Victoria ORCID: 0000-0002-7350-2568 and Silverio, Sergio A ORCID: 0000-0001-7177-3471 (2025) Psychosocial experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-wide study of prevalence rates and risk factors for clinically relevant depression and anxiety. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, 46 (1). 2459619-. ISSN 0167-482X, 1743-8942

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Abstract

<b>Purpose:</b> Whilst the antenatal period is well established as a period of increased vulnerability to mental health difficulties, restrictions resulting from COVID-19 lockdown in the UK are likely to have negatively affected psychosocial outcomes in these women.<b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study aimed to describe prevalence rates of clinically relevant antenatal anxiety and depression, and explore whether psychosocial changes as a result of the pandemic were predictive of clinically relevant anxiety and depression. Antenatal women (<i>N</i> = 684) completed an online survey of psychosocial measures during the UK government's initial lockdown restrictions.<b>Results:</b> Descriptive statistics indicate women experienced high levels of anxiety and depression and that changes resulting from restrictions were perceived negatively. Whilst 11.7% of women reported a current, clinical diagnosis of depression, 47.8% reported a score of ≥13 on the EPDS, indicating clinically relevant depression. Similarly, 18.7% of women reported a current, clinical diagnosis of anxiety, but 68.1% scored ≥40 on the STAI, indicating clinically relevant anxiety. After controlling for known demographic risk factors, only psychosocial change because of COVID-19 restrictions predicted clinically relevant anxiety (28%) and depression (27%).<b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the importance of considering antenatal women as a high-priority group, and ensuring antenatal care remains accessible and uninterrupted in any future crises.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Humans, Pregnancy Complications, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Depression, Anxiety, Pregnancy, Adult, Female, Young Adult, United Kingdom, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Pregnant People
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 12 Feb 2025 09:33
Last Modified: 05 Jun 2025 16:23
DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2025.2459619
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2459619
Related Websites:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3190251
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