Prevalence and associated factors of maternal anxiety and depression during COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

Abstract

Backgroud: The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 causes a major change in the way of living of human being. In additional to physical problem, there are also mental health issues that are significant increase during COVID-19 pandemic especially in maternal group. According to the previous researches, they were found the increases in mental health problems in maternal group. We aimed to study the prevalence and associated factors of maternal anxiety and depression during late phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

Objective: The primary is to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression of mothers during COVID-19 pandemic inThailand.The secondary objective is to find out the associated factors that impact mothers’ mental health status.

Method: Participants were mothers of children who visited outpatient department or admitted inpatient department at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Royal Thai Air Force, Thailand. Mothers completed questionnaires assessing demographic data and Thai Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores for screening of anxiety and depression.

Result: Prevalence of maternal anxiety and maternal depression were 13.3% and 10.2%, respectively. Multiple logistic regressions indicated that one significant associated factors of maternal anxiety was recent COVID-19 infection of her child and associated factor of maternal depression was length of admission more than three days.

Conclusion: Maternal anxiety and depression were significant during COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. Early screening for maternal anxiety and depression for early detection and provide intervention is advantage for quality of children well-being.