Fear of COVID-19 and Depression in Pregnant Women and New Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: The objective of the study was to determine COVID-19 fear and depression in pregnant women and new mothers. Methods: The study sample consisted of pregnant women and new mothers, who gave birth in the last 1 year, aged 18 years or older, living in a province in the Eastern Black Sea region (n = 259). Data werecollected through a personal-information form, COVID-19 Fear Scale, and PHQ-9. Results: Women's COVID-19 Fear Scalescore mean was 15.28±6.42 and their PHQ-9 mean score was 9.27±5.31. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the variables of PHQ-9 (p=0.000), educational background (p=0.029), occupational status (p=0.0015) and socioeconomic status (p=0.012) were statistically significant predictors of COVID-19 fear. All variables were found to explain the variance in COVID-19 Fear Scale scores to 16% (R2= 0.164). Conclusion: The women in this study appeared to have a moderate level of COVID-19 fear. PHQ-9, educational background, occupational status, and socioeconomic status were predictors of women's COVID-19 fear. The pandemic period, which is a public health emergency, affects not only the physical health but also the psychological health of pregnant and post-partum women, a particularly vulnerable group. It is very important for midwives and nurses to effectively screen pregnant and post-partum women, particularly vulnerable group, for symptoms of depression and fear, and to provide them with accurate and up-to-date information to protect and improve their health.