Abstract
Objective: To examine the anxiety caused by COVID-19 pandemic and
antenatal care quality of pregnant women during the isolation times.
Study Design: Single center cross-sectional study. Setting: Okmeydani
Training and Research Hospital. Istanbul, Turkey Population: We studied
174 pregnant, and 117 non-pregnant patients between 05 May (after the
start of restrictions) and 31 May (the date restrictions eased) during
the covid 19 outbreak. Methods: The data was obtained from both
qualitative and quantitative methods using the State-trait anxiety
inventory (STAI) and life style change questionnaire. Main outcomes and
measures: We assesed anxiety levels, behavioral changes and antenatal
care quality of pregnant women during Covid-19 pandemic. Results:
Pregnant women had higher anxiety STAI state (STAI-S) scores than the
nonpregnant women (43,67±10,77 vs. 39,71±9,55, p=0,01). The STAI trait
(STAI-T) anxiety scores were similar between the two groups
(43,57±8,07vs43,07±9,41, p=0,74). In pregnant women under age 20, STAI-S
score was lower (35,86±2,13, p=0,031). 60 of pregnant women were in
first trimester, 53 were in second and 61 were in third trimester.
STAI-S and STAI-T scores were not statistically different between
trimester groups. Cancelling appointments of prenatal care and the fear
of going to hospital is obviously high in third trimester (46,9%,
p=<0,001; 41,5%, p=0,002). Conclusion: In pregnant women,
fear and anxiety felt even more due to quarantine period for covid 19.
Evaluation and disseminated use of online health services may be
helpfull in patient information and empowerment for situations such as
pandemic and isolation times.