ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND STRESS IN HOSPITALIZED HIGH-RISK PREGNANT WOMEN

HEALTH PROMOTION ACTIONS

Abstract

Objective: To assess the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in high-risk pregnant women hospitalized in a reference obstetrics unit in the southern region of Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study that evaluated psychological distress using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) in pregnant women hospitalized with blood pressure alterations. Results: The sample consisted of 24 pregnant women, and 87.5% of them showed the onset of psychological disorders. Anxiety and stress exhibited higher levels, ranging from moderate to extremely severe, while only 12.5% of the pregnant women showed no psychological distress. Conclusion: It was possible to identify the levels of maternal psychological distress. Thus, the study raises awareness about the mental health of pregnant women hospitalized with blood pressure alterations and emphasizes the importance of planning interventions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of psychological distress in the short and long term.

Descriptors: Mental Health; High-Risk Pregnancy; Hypertension; Women’s Health.