Abstract
BackgroundAntenatal maternal mental health problems have numerous consequences for the well-being of both mother and child. This study aimed to test and construct a pertinent model of antenatal depressive symptoms within the conceptual framework of a stress process model.MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional study design. Inclusion criteria: participants were adult women (18 years or older) having a healthy pregnancy, in their third trimester (the mean weeks gestation was 34.71). Data collection: depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by Zung’s Self-rating Depressive and Anxiety Scale, stress was measured by Pregnancy-related Pressure Scale, social support and coping strategies were measured by Social Support Rating Scale and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, respectively. Analysis: path analysis was applied to examine the hypothesized causal paths between study variables.ResultsA total of 292 subjects were enrolled. The final testing model showed good fit, with normed χ2 = 32.317, p = 0.061, CFI = 0.961, TLI = 0.917, IFI = 0.964, NFI = 0.900, RMSEA = 0.042. This path model supported the proposed model within the theoretical framework of the stress process model. Pregnancy-related stress, financial strain and active coping have both direct and indirect effects on depressive symptoms. Psychological preparedness for delivery, social support and anxiety levels have direct effects on antenatal depressive symptoms. Good preparedness for delivery could reduce depressive symptoms, while higher levels of anxiety could significantly increase depressive symptoms. Additionally, there were indirect effects of miscarriage history, irregular menstruation, partner relationship and passive coping with depressive symptoms.ConclusionThe empirical support from this study has enriched theories on the determinants of depressive symptoms among Chinese primipara, and could facilitate the formulation of appropriate interventions for reducing antenatal depressive symptoms, and enhancing the mental health of pregnant women.
Highlights
IntroductionThis study aimed to test and construct a pertinent model of antenatal depressive symptoms within the conceptual framework of a stress process model
Antenatal maternal mental health problems have numerous consequences for the well-being of both mother and child
While pregnancy is a joyful event for most women [3], perceived stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy have paid the significant role in adverse birth outcomes as well as maternal well-being [4]
Summary
This study aimed to test and construct a pertinent model of antenatal depressive symptoms within the conceptual framework of a stress process model. Antenatal maternal mental health problems have numerous consequences for the well-being of both mother and child [1, 2]. While pregnancy is a joyful event for most women [3], perceived stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy have paid the significant role in adverse birth outcomes as well as maternal well-being [4]. Previous studies indicate that depression during pregnancy has been linked to poor childbirth outcomes, such as spontaneous preterm delivery and low birth weight [7, 8]. The symptoms of maternal depression can lead to the mother rejecting her role of caring for her child [9].
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