The prevalence and related factors of post-partum anxiety and depression among mothers during COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

BACKGROUND: There are many factors effective on occurrence of post-partum anxiety and depression. COVID-19 pandemic, as a major health crisis, affected many countries and had undesirable mental health outcomes, especially for the vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of post-partum anxiety and depression and their related factors during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 mothers who delivered their child during COVID-19 pandemic and had referred to the comprehensive urban health canter of Lenjan city two months after their delivery (from November 10th, 2021, until March 19th, 2022). Data were gathered using 3 questionnaires including demographic characteristics, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety and post-partum depression was 27% and 20%, respectively. None of the demographic characteristics had a significant relationship with anxiety and depression. Related factors to post-partum anxiety included desired pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, marital conflicts, history of mother's hospitalization due to COVID-19, compliance rate with preventive health measures for COVID-19, stressful events, and social support. CONCLUSION: It is suggested to screen mothers to detect significant related factors of post-partum anxiety and depression in other future pandemics or epidemics to support them.

Impact of COVID-19 on the changing pattern of human orthopneumovirus (respiratory syncytial virus) infection in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Human orthopneumovirus (HOPV) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the important causes of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the cold months of the year worldwide. Many countries have reported an absence of ARIs due to HOPV during the winter of 2020-2021 associated with preventive measures to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV2. However, with the reduction of COVID-19 public health restrictions and the absence of immunity in the community due to the lack of exposure in the previous season, many countries had a delayed HOPV outbreak. Here we reported the impact of COVID-19 on the changing pattern of HOPV infection in Iran. METHODS: Throat and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from patients (children and adults) with ARIs and sent to the Iran National Influenza Center. After RNA extraction, Real time RT-PCR was performed for HOPV detection. RESULTS: In 260 samples collected from patients with ARIs in three different groups, which included children in March 2021, pilgrims in July 2022, and outpatients during November and December 2022, no HOPV was detected in any group. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of HOPV activity in Iran during the winter of 2020-2021 and then the resurgence in spring 2022 and again the absence of activity in summer and autumn 2022 was extraordinary in the HOPV epidemiology, and probably due to the implementation of public health non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV2. Although it is not possible to keep such restrictions, similar methods can be taken to control outbreaks caused by respiratory viruses.