A study to assess the risk factors contributing to psychological stress, anxiety and depression in mothers of Covid-19 positive hospitalized children in a Tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Parents of the COVID -19 positive hospitalized children are facing different psychological stresses which are affecting child’s care and well-being. To determine the psychological stress, anxiety and depression and to identify the associated influencing factors in mothers of hospitalized COVID-19 infected children In this cross-sectional observational study, 150 mothers of COVID-19 positive hospitalized children in a paediatric tertiary care hospital were randomly selected and studied. Data collection tool was a two part questionnaire; the first part was based on ‘Perceived stress scale-10’ and ‘Hospital anxiety and depression scale’ and the second part included stressors related to COVID-19 pandemic selected based on previous researches. The incidence of these stressors and their significance in causing stress, anxiety and depression was assessed using standard statistical methods.83.4% had moderate psychological stress, 35% had significant anxiety and 38% had significant depression. Worry about hospital bed availability and treatment cost (Odd’s ratio>9) and worry about getting infection (Odd’s ratio>8) as main stressors for stress, concern about family members and worry about getting infection (Odd’s ratio>9 for both) as main factors for anxiety and concern about family members (Odd’s ratio>22) as main factor for depression was found in study population. This pandemic has imposed grave psychological impact on mothers of hospitalized COVID infected children and various influencing social factors have been identified through our study. Holistic approach including socio-economic, administrative and political measures should be taken and adequate psychological support should be provided to address maternal mental health related issues.