ANTENATAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, MARDAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the three trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bacha Khan Teaching Hospital and Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan from October 2017 to April 2018. The study included 212 pregnant women during their routine antenatal checkup with the gynecologist in their first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Convenience sampling method was used and structured interview was conducted to obtain demographic information. Hamilton Depression rating scale and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A) was used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety respectively. RESULTS: Out of 212 pregnant women, most were uneducated (n=96, 45.3%), housewives (n=182, 85.8%), from rural area (n=114, 53.8%), in 3rd trimester of pregnancy (n=132, 62.3), having planned pregnancy (n=174, 82.1%) and desirous of male child (n=94, 44.3%) having mean age of 25.55±5.52 years (16-40 years). Mild depression was present among 68 (32.1%), moderate depression was found among 64 (30.2%), severe depression was found among 24 (11.3%) and very severe depression among 20 (9.4%). According to HAM-A scores, 70 (33%) of the participants scored in normal range, 44 (20.8%) lied in mild anxiety range, 62 (29.2%) lied in moderate anxiety while 36 (17%) lied in severe anxiety range. Levels of depression and anxiety were highest among women of third trimester. CONCLUSION: Most were uneducated, housewives, having rural origin, in 3rd trimester and desirous of male child. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were common among pregnant women especially in 3rd trimester.