The effect of COVID-19 fear on prenatal distress and childbirth preference in primipara

Ataman H., TUNCER M.

REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA, vol.69, no.5, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 69 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1590/1806-9282.20221302
  • Journal Name: REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of COVID-19 fear on prenatal distress and childbirth preference in primipara.METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 206 primipara women in Istanbul between June and December 2021. The data were collected with an information form, "The Fear of COVID-19 Scale" and "The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire."RESULTS: The median of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 14.00 (7-31) and the median of the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire was 10.00 (0-21). A statistically significant positive and weak correlation was found between "The Fear of COVID-19 Scale" and "The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire" (r=0.21; p=0.00). Overall, 75.2% of pregnant women preferred normal (vaginal) delivery. There was no statistically significant relationship between "The Fear of COVID-19 Scale" and childbirth preference (p>0.05).CONCLUSION: It was determined that fear of coronavirus increases prenatal distress. Women should be supported to cope with fear of COVID-19 and prenatal distress, both during the preconceptional and antenatal periods.