Welcome to the 21st WCP Virtual Congress Program Scheduling
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Filter - Live Sessions: Plenary / Presidential Session | Courses | Special Sessions | Presidential Forum | Spanish Language Sessions | State of the Art Sessions | Interorganizational Symposia | Original Sessions | Panel Discussions | Thematic Sessions
Filter - Recorded Sessions: Accepted Symposia | Free Communications | WPA Distinguished Lectures
Free Communications
IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY: THE CONCEPTION STUDY – PHASE I
- Anick Bérard (Canada)
Abstract
Objectives
Given that gestational depression/anxiety is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, we aimed to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health during pregnancy.
Methods
A cohort study with a web-based recruitment strategy and electronic data collection was initiated in 06/2020. Although Canadian women, >18 years were primarily targeted, pregnant women worldwide were eligible. The current analysis includes data on women enrolled 06/2020-11/2020. Self-reported data included mental health measures (Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7)), stress. We compared maternal mental health stratifying on country/continents of residence, and identified determinants of mental health using multivariable regression models.
Results
Of 2,109 pregnant women recruited (mean gestational age 24.7±9.7 weeks), 1,932 were from Canada, 48 the United States (US), 73 Europe, 35 Africa, and 21 Asia/Oceania. Mean depressive symptom scores were lower in Canada (EPDS 8.2, SD 5.2) compared to the US (EPDS 10.5, SD 4.8) and Europe (EPDS 10.4, SD 6.5) (p<0.05), regardless of being infected or not. Maternal anxiety, stress, decreased income and access to health care due to the pandemic were increasing maternal depression. The prevalence of severe anxiety was similar across country/continents. Maternal depression, stress, and earlier recruitment during the pandemic (June/July) were associated with increased maternal anxiety.
Conclusions
In this first international study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, CONCEPTION has shown significant country/continent-specific variations in depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Given that gestational depression/anxiety have been associated with preterm birth and childhood cognitive problems, strategies are needed to reduce COVID-19’s mental health burden.
REINVENTING OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH CARE DURING COVID 19: EXPERIENCE REPORT OF A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SERVICE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIO DE JANEIRO
- Manoela A. Salgado (Brazil)
Abstract
Objectives
Objective: To describe and analyze the experience of reorganization of a Mental Health Service after the declaration of COVID 19 pandemic. It is an outpatient clinic located at Piquet Carneiro Polyclinic, linked to the State University of Rio de Janeiro.
Methods
Methodology: Usually, there are Individual consultations conducted by psychologists and psychiatrists; different therapeutic groups, matrix support in primary care. It receives patients through the Electronic regulatory System (SISREG), matrix support and consults solicited from other services within the Polyclinic. It is teaching field for Psychiatric and Family Medicine medical residents, medical interns and medical psychology, linked to research. In 2018, 2007 consultations were conducted in psychology, 2444 consultations in psychiatry and 1138 referrals by SISREG
Results
. Results: Changes in the work processes were adopted: face-to-face consultations were maintained for critical patients; team personnel rotation; telemedicine; orientation for patients and family members; Supply of psychotropic prescriptions was offered; digitization of documents and spreadsheet; professionals in the risk group relocated to remote work. Between March and July 2020 there were 121 face-to-face consultations, 700 remote consultations. Remote meeting and supervision were conducted weekly.
Conclusions
Conclusion: The reception of patients was maintained, though the work process was reinvented during the pandemic. A modernization of the service occurred through the digitization of documents and spreadsheets. This enabled the service to keep the patients monitored throughout the health crises. A humanized care was upheld, for professionals kept close contact with their patients, maintaining their bond with the institution.
PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND IT’S ASSOCIATION WITH THE OVERALL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE UNITED STATES
- Namrata Walia (United States of America)
Abstract
Objectives
Social isolation and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in psychological distress. The aim of this study is to report the prevalence of symptoms of psychological distress and its association with the overall health in the US population.
Methods
The data was extracted from Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) dataset conducted in 2020. Phq4 score and self-reported overall health variables were used to assess psychological distress and their association at the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. STATA software was used to conduct a univariate, bivariate and multivariable analysis.
Results
3865 participants (mean age= 57.0 years) answered the survey. More than half (61.12%) of them were Non-Hispanic White followed by Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black at 17.08% and 13.78% respectively. Of those who reported having poor health, 40% reported having moderate to severe distress symptoms. Alternatively, among the individuals with excellent overall health, only 5% reported having moderate to severe distress. Bivariate and adjusted multivariable analysis showed a highly significant (p<0.001) association between symptoms of distress and the self-reported overall health.
Conclusions
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in psychosocial distress in the US population. Despite efforts to mitigate the pandemic's impact on mental health, psychological distress is on the rise. The demand for mental health care has soared. Because mental health issues are likely to persist for a longer period of time, it is critical to consider how to meet those needs both during and after the pandemic.