Prevalence of antenatal suicidal ideation among racially and ethnically diverse WIC enrolled women receiving care in a Midwestern public health clinic

Abstract

BackgroundSuicidal ideation (SI) during pregnancy is a major maternal health concern, however few examinations report findings on the burden of SI among low-income women. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among a sample of low-income women. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 736 low-income pregnant women enrolled in a Women Infant and Children supplemental nutrition program and a perinatal depression registry between 2013 and 2015. All participants provided informed consent. SI was captured from Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screens administered during standard clinic visits. ResultsThe prevalence of suicidal ideation was 4.6%. After adjusting for smoking, women with depression were 13 times as likely to report SI. LimitationsSI was measured using a single item from the EPDS during pregnancy. ConclusionsThis study indicates that most, but not all, women with SI reported elevated depressive symptoms.