During COVID-19 Profiles
A total of four maternal mental health profiles were identified during
COVID-19: (1) Below Clinical Concern, (2) Clinically Depressed and
Highly Stressed, (3) Stressed, Approaching Clinical Concern, and (4)
Highest Clinical Concern (Figure 1).
Below Clinical Concern (Profile One). The largest percentage of
mothers were in the mental health profile identified as below clinical
concern during the pandemic (49.4%). Like the Below Clinical Concern
Profile prior to COVID-19 mothers in this profile had the lowest
anxiety, depression, and stress scores across all other profiles.
However, this group has slightly lower anxiety and stress, with slightly
higher depression scores than the similar profile prior to COVID-19.
Clinically Depressed and Highly Stressed (Profile Two). The
mothers identified in this profile (10.7%) had clinical depression and
double that average stress rates of Canadian mothers. This profile is
similar to the clinically depressed and highly stressed profile prior to
COVID-19, has slightly lower depression scores.
Stressed, Approaching Clinical Concern (Profile Three). Over a
quarter (27.9%) of mothers in this study during COVID-19 were
identified as stressed and approaching clinical concern. This profile is
comparable to the stressed, approaching clinical concern prior to
COVID-19 but has slightly lower depression scores.
Highest Clinical Concern (Profile Four). During COVID-19, a new
profile was identified consisting of mothers who were of high clinical
concern (12.0%). This profile of mothers has anxiety scores that were
well above the clinical cut off, clinical depression, and more than
double the average stress scores of Canadian mothers.