The Effect of Anxiety Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic on Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Women

Abstract

n December 2019, cases of pneumonia were reported in China due to a new coronavirus. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this disease as a pandemic, provoked global anxiety [1]. This acute respiratory illness is called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [2, 3]. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from cold-like to acute respiratory symptoms, and lead to acute pneumonia and death [4]. Taking care of the vulnerable population is one of the important measures in management of infectious diseases [5]. There is no reliable statistics about the infected pregnant women, but they need special attention according to previous epidemics (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)) [6-9]. During pregnancy, physiological changes occur that make mothers susceptible to infections, especially those that affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems [5, 7]. upward movement of the diaphragm and increased transverse thoracic diameter greatly reduce the maternal tolerance to hypoxia [10]. Pregnant women need frequent visits for prenatal care; hence, they are more at risk [1]. In a study, out of 12 pregnant women with COVID-19, three died, 50% of those who were infected in the first trimester had an abortion, and of those infected in the second or third trimester, 40% had intrauterine growth retardation and 80% had preterm labor [2]. Mothers have more worries and subsequently anxiety during the pregnancy period (pregnancy-related anxiety) and the COVID-19 pandemic can increase this anxiety [8]. Lack of information on transmission ways, risk factors, restrictions, access to health care and counseling services during pregnancy, delivery, and after delivery has increased mothers’ concerns [8]. False and exaggerated information about this disease have also increased their fear and anxiety [11, 12]. Anxiety is characterized by a concern about an impending and intolerable catastrophe. According to a survey in March 2020, more than half of women who were not previously concerned about their health, became anxious about it [13].