Worrall, S 
ORCID: 0000-0002-6587-9306, Pike, O ORCID: 0009-0002-8703-132X, Christiansen, P ORCID: 0000-0001-7534-0948, Jackson, L ORCID: 0000-0003-4491-1802, De Pascalis, L ORCID: 0000-0002-9150-3468, Harrold, JA ORCID: 0000-0002-0899-4586, Fallon, V ORCID: 0000-0002-7350-2568 and Silverio, SA 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 Gynecology, 46 (1).
2459619-.
ISSN 0167-482X, 1743-8942
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Worrall, Pike et al., 2025.pdf - Open Access published version Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Purpose: 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. Materials and Methods: 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 (N = 684) completed an online survey of psychosocial measures during the UK government’s initial lockdown restrictions. Results: 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%). Conclusions: 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 & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Feb 2025 09:33 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2026 03:41 |
| 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 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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