Depression and anxiety in pregnancy during COVID-19: A rapid review and meta-analysis

Psychiatry Res. 2021 Jun:300:113912. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113912. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Abstract

The study rapidly reviewed and meta-analyzed the worldwide prevalence of depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search of the literature and meta-analyses were conducted from December 2019 - February 2021 with a total of 46 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Depression was assessed in 37 studies (N = 47,677), with a pooled prevalence of 25.6%. Anxiety was assessed in 34 studies (N = 42,773), with a pooled prevalence of 30.5%; moderation by time showed that prevalence of anxiety was higher in studies conducted later in the pandemic.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Depression; Mental health; Meta-analysis; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19*
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Pregnant Women / psychology*
  • Prevalence