Fear and anxiety in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the 2020–2022 pandemic on the levels of fear and anxiety in pregnant women and to identify risk and protective factors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases were consulted for studies published between January...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Muñoz-Vela, Francisco Javier, Rodríguez Díaz, Luciano, Gómez Salgado, Juan, Fernández-Carrasco, Francisco Javier, Allande Cussó, Regina, Vázquez Lara, Juana María, Fagundo Rivera, Javier
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/149116
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/149116
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605587
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Anxiety
Mental health
COVID-19
Pregnant women
Fear of childbirth
Descripción
Sumario:Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the 2020–2022 pandemic on the levels of fear and anxiety in pregnant women and to identify risk and protective factors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases were consulted for studies published between January 2020 and August 2022. The methodological quality was assessed using a critical appraisal tool for non-randomised studies. Results: Seventeen studies were included in the review. A high prevalence of levels of fear and anxiety were observed. Risk factors such as unplanned pregnancy, poor support from partners, or intolerance of uncertainty were identified for high levels of fear. Regarding anxiety, risk factors such as maternal age, social support, financial status, or concern about being able to maintain antenatal follow-ups were identified. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of pregnant women through increased levels of fear and anxiety. It has not been possible to establish a relationship between significant factors such as gestational age or health emergency control measures with high levels of fear or anxiety.