Mental Health of Postpartum Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil
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Abstract
International studies have reported high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women due to the ongoing pandemic. The present study examined symptoms of depression and anxiety in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Participants were 625 women aged between 18 and 44 years (M = 31.6; SD = 5.3), with infants up to 6 months. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were administered. Results showed clinically significant levels of depression (EPDS ≥13) in 47.4% of the participants, clinically significant levels of generalized anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10) in 41.8% of the cases, and comorbid symptoms in 33.1% of the participants. There was a significant positive correlation between symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the infant’s older age, the mother’s younger age, and lower educational level were associated with potential clinical symptoms. Thus, prevention and intervention programs targeting perinatal mental health during the ongoing pandemic and beyond should be developed and prioritized.
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