Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum depression among mothers of extreme and early preterm infants.

Vatcheva, Tzanka; Mostaert, Anne; Van Ingelgem, Valérie; Henrion, Elisabeth; Legros, Ludovic

OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting isolation measures on the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) after preterm birth. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of mothers of extreme and early preterm infants who completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the standardized 3-6 months follow-up consultation for preterm infants. Mothers assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 34; from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) were compared with an antecedent control group (n = 108; from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between the pandemic and the risk of PPD (EPDS score ≥ 13). RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher in the COVID-19 study group (26% versus 12%, p = 0.043). The multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of PPD (adjusted OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.06-12.59, p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS Among mothers of extreme and early preterm infants, the COVID-19 pandemic was independently associated with a higher risk of PPD. This confirms the need for a close and long-term follow-up of maternal psychological health after preterm birth.