Research for the impact of coronavirus disease on maternal mental health

Abstract

 ［Background］The prevalence of postpartum depression is reported to be 7.1％. We examine whether the epidemic of coronavirus infection（coronavirus disease 2019:COVID-19）affected the mental health of pregnant and nursing mothers. ［Methods］The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale（EPDS）was conducted at the 1-month postnatal examination. In Study 1, the EPDS scores and clinical backgrounds of the control and study groups were compared before and after the COVID-19 epidemic, respectively. In Study 2, the EPDS scores and clinical backgrounds of the control and study group were compared and risk factors for high EPDS were examined. ［Results］ （Study 1）Before the COVID-19 epidemic, the positive rate was 7.0％ in the control group and 10.4％ in the study group（p<0.05）. The EPDS positive rates were significantly higher in the study group. （Study 2）The risk factors were "first-time mothers" and "Pregnant women with mental illness". ［Conclusion］ Even after COVID-19 is classified as a category 5 infection in Japan, it is necessary to continue to support pregnant and nursing mothers not only at delivery facilities but also in cooperation with the government and family psychiatrists, keeping in mind the risks identified in this study.