Abstract
BackgroundPrevalence rates of HIV infection in KwaZulu-Natal are high, with a significant amount of those infected being women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of HIV infection has been associated with an increased risk for the development of depression. Antenatal depression is a serious health concern, having the potential to cause wide-reaching adverse consequences for mother and unborn child.AimTo compare depressive scores between newly diagnosed HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women.SettingAntenatal clinics at two regional hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based analysis of 102 newly HIV-tested black African pregnant women (HIV infected: n = 40; HIV uninfected: n = 62) was conducted. Women’s socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded, before being assessed for depressive symptomology using an isiZulu version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale.ResultsAbout 9.8% of women suffered from significant depressive symptoms, irrespective of HIV status. Prevalence rates of antenatal depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected cohorts (p = 0.79). A new diagnosis of HIV infection (p < 0.0001) and maternal age (p = 0.03) were risk factors for antenatal depression. Unemployment was a borderline risk factor (p = 0.09) for the development of antenatal depression.ConclusionPrevalence rates of depressive symptoms were low. Knowledge of a new diagnosis of HIV infection at the first antenatal visit places women at an increased risk for the development of depression during pregnancy. Younger age and unemployment influence depression. This study provides an important step in documenting the need for screening for antenatal depression in HIV-associated pregnancies in a South African population group.
Highlights
Women represent approximately half (51.0%) of adults living with HIV infection worldwide,[1] with the majority of infections occurring in women of reproductive age
Higher depressive symptom scores were demonstrated in the HIV-infected cohort, highlighting that a new diagnosis of HIV infection predisposes a pregnant woman to a greater risk of developing depression
We report a low prevalence of significant depressive symptoms in pregnancy, irrespective of HIV status, which may be attributed to the improved perception of HIV infection in South Africa
Summary
Women represent approximately half (51.0%) of adults living with HIV infection worldwide,[1] with the majority of infections occurring in women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of HIV infection is associated with a surge in depressive symptoms.[5,6] According to WHO Department of Health Statistics and Informatics, depressive disorders account for nearly half of the burden of disease exhibited by mental disorders.[7] In South Africa alone, it is estimated that 9.8% of adults will experience a major depressive episode (MDE) at least once in their lifetime.[8] research has shown that rates of depression are higher in women than men, further highlighting the fact that pregnancy is not always a time of emotional wellbeing and depression during pregnancy is common, with prospective studies reporting similar rates of depression between pregnant and non-pregnant women.[9] A recent study conducted amongst a South African population indicates that more than a third of women have significant depression during pregnancy.[6] Antenatal depression is a considerable health concern, having the potential to compromise the well-being of both mother and infant.[5] Adverse outcomes include obstetric complications such as miscarriage, preterm labour, low birth weight babies and foetal growth restriction, as well a negative effect on the cognitive functioning of the mother.[6] http://www.sajpsychiatry.org. Antenatal depression is a serious health concern, having the potential to cause wide-reaching adverse consequences for mother and unborn child
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Schedule a callMore From: The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa
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