Midwifery and Womens Health

Covid Pandemic Issues and Challenges

The COVID-19 outbreak is the most severe pandemic since the H1N1 (Spanish Flu) pandemic that occurred in 2020. Immediately after isolation, people experience emotional distress, irritability, insomnia, depression, and symptoms of PTSD. The long-term effects are significant and wide spread which includes anxiety, anger, depression, symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol abuse and behavioural changes such as avoiding crowded places and washing hands frequently.  These psychological symptoms can last from several months to three years after a period of isolation. Social distancing can significantly increase loneliness, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, child and substance abuse. Prolonged social isolation can lead to social isolation, a phenomenon known as hikikomori, which may be exacerbated by the economic and social crises of the pandemic. While the social isolation associated with Covid19 appears to be similar to Hikikomori, there is a difference between the two conditions as the social isolation of Covid19 is imposed by the government and also stems from the behaviour of people avoiding the infection out of fear of infection.

Related Societies/ Associations: The Association of Professors of Gynaecology and Obstetrics | The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine | The Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynaecology | The American Urogynecologic Society