Prenatal depression of late pregnancy women in Guangzhou and the associated factors

Abstract

Objective To explore the incidence of prenatal depression of late pregnancy womenas in Guangzhou and the associated factors and to provide theoretical support for early screening and clinical intervention. Methods Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, and Social Support Rating Scale were used to investigate the late pregnancy (28 gestational weeks-before birth) women from Third Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University. Descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square test, and correlation analysis were used to explore the incidence and associated factors. Results The incidence of prenatal depression was 16.5% (89/538) . Low education level (P=0.020) , low average monthly income (P=0.004) , occurrence of life events influencing spirit one year recently (P<0.001) , and middle social support (P<0.001) were the main factors influencing prenatal depression. Prenatal depression positively correlated with perceived stress (r=0.617) and negatively with parental efficacy (r=-0.469) and its dimensions and social support(r=-0.244) and its dimensions. Conclusions There are many factors affecting prenatal depression. While evaluating the prenatal depression of late pregnancy women, medical staff should comprehensively assess their general information, perceived stress, parental efficacy, social support, etc. Carrying out continuous and individualized interventions can reduce the incidences of prenatal depression and postpartum depression. Key words: Late pregnancy; Prenatal depression; Perceived stress; Parental efficacy; Social support