Sexual function, mental health, and quality of life under strain of COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian pregnant and lactating women: a comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health pregnant and lactating women is unclear. This study aimed to assess the psychological health, sexual function, quality life (QoL) in Iranian compare results with non-pregnant/non-lactating women. Method comparative cross-sectional was carried out women, from May Jun 2020. Patients were asked complete three questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). One-way ANOVA used reveal statistical differences between groups . Result mean age patients 20.81 ± 5.92 years old. (SD) score HADS pregnant, non-pregnant / non-lactating 12.11 (6.72), 11.98 (8.44) 9.38 (6.2) respectively, showed that scores higher than ( P < 0.001). Also QOL FSFI 68.29 (9.47), 74.18 (12.65), 79.03 (10.48) 22.71 (8.16), 22.72 26.19 (3.93) lower Conclusion epidemic increases risk depression, anxiety, FSD, lowers QoL general population. suggests urgent need for intervention maternal population during epidemic.