Prevalence And Risk Factors For Antepartum Depression Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy increases the susceptibility of women to mental health disorders, especially depression. Depression is more prevalent in low and middle-income countries and is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal morbidity. However, screening for depression is not routinely offered to pregnant women in this setting.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of antepartum depression; describe the characteristics of the depressed women and identify the risk factors for antepartum depression among women attending the antenatal clinic of the study hospital.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study where 250 women attending antenatal clinics were recruited. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on socio-demographic and obstetric history. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used to screen for depression and a score of 13 and above was considered positive for depression. Data was analysed using SPSS version 28. P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The prevalence of antepartum depression was 6.4% (16/250). The majority of women with antepartum depression were aged ≤35 years (15/16), of the Islamic faith (14/16); had tertiary education (10/16); had low income (12/16) but had spouses with higher income (12/16) and reported no history of marital conflict (10/16). These women were predominantly parous (15/16); in the third trimester (11/6) and had no bad obstetric history (14/16). Tribe and gestational age were associated with APD (p<0.05). Younger women had doubled odds of having APD (OR 2.3, CI 0.29-17.9). Educational level, income, parity, presence of marital conflict and bad obstetric history were not associated with the risk of having APD.

Conclusion: APD is common and occurs across all educational levels, socio-economic and obstetric statuses. Gestational age was associated with APD. Screening for APD should be integrated among antenatal packages that promote maternal and perinatal health, especially in the third trimester.

Keywords: antepartum depression, prevalence, risk factors, characteristics maternal and perinatal morbidity.