[Evaluation of Psychological Distress in Obstetric Patients during the Visit Ban in Hospitals in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Prospective, Multicentre, Controlled Study].

Abstract

Introduction: Risk factors for postpartum depression include a lack of social support and perceived social isolation. We would like to determine whether the isolation of inpatients on the maternity wards during Covid-19 leads to increased psychological stress.

Methods: This is a multicentre, controlled study of obstetric patients who gave birth during an inpatient stay. Patients were included during the visitation ban (study group) and after the visitation ban (control group). Psychological stress was evaluated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) during the inpatient stay and six to eight weeks postpartum.

Results: A total of 194 women were included, 107 in the study group and 87 in the control group. The overall result of the first EPDS shows a higher score in the study group compared to the control group (7.0 vs. 4.9 points). Primipara show a higher score in the first EPDS compared to multipara (7.28 vs. 4.82). Caesarean section, regardless of isolation, shows a higher score in the first EPDS than vaginal birth (8.42 vs. 5.11). Comparison of vaginal birth shows a higher score only in the study group (5.97 vs. 4.07).

Conclusion: In the context of Covid-19, women giving birth and new mothers, especially primipara, are exposed to increased psychological stress in the clinics. Caesarean section leads to increased psychological stress.