Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders among Antenatal Women in a Rural Area Adjacent to Chennai

Aim: Antenatal anxiety and depression are major health problems all over the world. Research conducted during pandemics found that pregnant women are more vulnerable psychologically. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women

Study Design: A Cross sectional study design

Place and Duration of Study: was done on pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the rural area adjacent to Chennai, India between april 2021 to October 2021.

Methadology: This study was conducted among 74 pregnant women coming for antenatal checkups in the Rural area adjacent to Chennai. Hamilton – Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was applied after initial psychiatry work up to all women who were selected for the interview. The statistically significant P value was < 0.05.

Results: The sociodemographic variables have been found as significant contributors in explaining the variability of the prevalence rates of antenatal depression. According to the findings, less than 1/3rd of pregnant women experience depression as a result of life circumstances such as economic crises in order to support their families. These were identified as significant risk variables (P>0.05). And also, this study identified those who receiving insufficient socioeconomic assistance were more likely to experience multiple psychological discomfort [atleast 1] than women who got appropriate economic support. (r = -0.112, P < 0.001)

Conclusion: COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was associated with increased levels of generalized anxiety scores. Patient-tailored psychological support should be a mainstay of comprehensive antenatal medical care in order to avoid anxiety- related complications.