RESUMEN
BackgroundSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a respiratory disease causing coronavirus. SARS-CoV has caused the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), SARS-CoV in Hong King and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). COVID-19, to date, have had the highest mortality and morbidity globally, thus reaching the pandemic status. In comparison to research conducted to explore the impact of pandemics on the general wellbeing, there appears to be a paucity on its association with womens mental health. Many pregnant women have reported that the pandemic negatively impacted their mental health. AimThis study aimed is to explore the prevalence of the impact of the COVID-19, MERS and SARS pandemics on the mental health of pregnant women. MethodA study protocol was developed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42021235356) to explore a number of key objectives. For the purpose of this study PubMed, Science direct, Ovid PsycINFO and EMBASE databases were searched from December 2000 - July 2021. The search results were screened, first by title, and then by abstract. A meta-analysis was conducted to report the findings. ResultsThere were no studies reporting the mental health impact due to MERS and SARS. We systematically identified 316 studies that reported on the mental health of women that were pregnant and soon after birth. The meta-analysis indicated 24.9% (21.37%-29.02%) of pregnant women reported symptoms of depression, 32.8% (29.05% to 37.21%) anxiety, 29.44% (18.21% - 47.61%) stress, 27.93% (9.05%-86.15 %) PTSD, and 24.38% (11.89%-49.96%) sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the I2 test showed a high heterogeneity value. ConclusionThe importance of managing the mental health during pregnancy and after-delivery improves the quality of life and wellbeing of mothers. Developing an evidence based mental health framework as part of pandemic preparedness to help pregnant women would improve the quality of care received during challenging times.
RESUMEN
BackgroundOngoing symptoms or the development of new symptoms following a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis has caused a complex clinical problem known as ":Long COVID": (LC). This has introduced further pressure on global healthcare systems as there appears to be a need for ongoing clinical management of these patients. LC personifies heterogeneous symptoms at varying frequencies. The most complex symptoms appear to be driven by the neurology and neuropsychiatry spheres. MethodsA systematic protocol was developed, peer reviewed and published in PROSPERO. The systematic review included publications from the 1st of December 2019-30th June 2021 published in English. Multiple electronic databases were used. The dataset has been analysed using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis based on geographical location. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were established based on the data identified. ResultsOf the 302 studies, 49 met the inclusion criteria, although 36 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The 36 studies had a collective sample size of 11598 LC patients. 18 of the 36 studies were designed as cohorts and the remainder were cross-sectional. Symptoms of mental health, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and pain were reported. ConclusionsThe quality that differentiates this meta-analysis is that they are cohort and cross-sectional studies with follow-up. It is evident that there is limited knowledge available of LC and current clinical management strategies may be suboptimal as a result. Clinical practice improvements will require more comprehensive clinical research, enabling effective evidence-based approaches to better support patients. FundingNone
