COVID 19: Implications of social isolation on the well-being and lifestyle habits of brazilian pregnant women

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had several social effects and vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, suffered psychosocial impacts.

Objective: To evaluate changes in lifestyle habits and perceived stress of Brazilian pregnant women who experienced social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out between October and November 2020 using an online questionnaire. Sociodemographic, economic and lifestyle characteristics were verified. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The data were tabulated in Excel software and statistical analyzes were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) program. The Chi-square test and Spearman correlation were performed to evaluate associations and correlations between perceived stress and sociodemographic variables and lifestyle habits.

Results: The sample consisted of 85 pregnant women with an average age of 31.33± 4.87 years. There was a negative correlation between perceived stress and age (r=-0.318) and a positive association between worsening sleep quality and reduced physical activity (p=0.022). The level of perceived stress was 21.2 ± 6.88 points, considered moderate to high.

Conclusion: There were changes in pregnant women's lifestyle habits and perception of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.