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The impact of COVID-19 on prenatal anxiety in women: A study in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Komal Niazi(1), Jianfu Ma(2), Sara Akram(3), Kamran Saddique(4),


(1) Institute of Anthropology, School of Social Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Visiting Research Fellow, Pakistan Study Centre, North Minzu University, Yinchuang, China
(2) School of International and Areas Studies, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, China, 750021
(3) School of Sociology and Anthropology, Sun Yatsen University, Guangzhou, China
(4) College of International Studies, Institute of Area and International Communication Studies and Centre for China's Overseas Interests, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
Corresponding Author

Abstract


The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, especially pregnant women experiencing anxiety. The impact of COVID-19 on individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions is significant. This study looked at how the pandemic affected women with prenatal anxiety symptoms from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The study was part of an ongoing trial focusing on psychosocial support for prenatal anxiety at a public hospital. It involved 27 women who either had or were receiving the intervention for anxiety. Among them, 13 were in their third trimester of pregnancy, and 14 were in the postnatal period. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using framework analysis. The findings showed that during the pandemic, these women experienced higher levels of anxiety. This was linked to financial difficulties, worries about the availability of proper obstetric care, and a lack of trust in healthcare providers. The women also feared for their own and their babies' health and safety, especially due to concerns about contracting COVID-19. The research highlights that effective interventions to manage anxiety could help reduce mental health issues among pregnant women, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic

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