Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Feb 4, 2021
Date Accepted: May 21, 2021
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jun 22, 2021
Changes in Anxiety and Stress Among Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Content Analysis of a Japanese Social Question-and-Answer Website
ABSTRACT
Background:
The changing pattern of anxiety and stress experienced by pregnant women during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unknown.
Objective:
We aimed to examine the sources of anxiety and stress in pregnant Japanese women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
We performed content analysis of 1,000 questions posted on the largest social website in Japan (Yahoo! Chiebukuro) from January 1 to May 25, 2020 (end date of the national state of emergency). Gwet’s AC1 coefficient verified interrater reliability.
Results:
A total 12 categories were identified. Throughout the period studied, anxiety about going out appeared most frequently, followed by anxiety regarding employment and infection in family and friends. Following the declaration of state of emergency at peak infection, infection-related anxiety decreased whereas anxiety about social support and mood disorders increased. Stress regarding relationships appeared frequently throughout the pandemic.
Conclusions:
The sources of anxiety and stress in pregnant women in Japan changed during the pandemic. Our results suggest the need for rapid communications in the early phase of a pandemic as well as long-term psychosocial support, to best support pregnant women in Japan. Healthcare professionals should understand the changing pattern of need in pregnant women.
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