Risk Factors For Antenatal Depression Research Articles

The association between outdoor artificial light at night exposure and antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms: A retrospective cohort study in China

BackgroundOutdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) has emerged as a significant source of environmental pollution, however its association with antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms has not been explored before. MethodsThis study was based on a cohort study conducted at the Maternal and Child Health Care Center in Ma’anshan City, Anhui Province, China, which ultimately included 1047 pregnant women. Depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated utilizing the self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), respectively. Exposure levels to outdoor ALAN were calculated utilizing satellite data and the participants’ usual addresses. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline were used to assess the association between exposure to outdoor ALAN and depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnant women. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors, high ALAN exposure during the pre-pregnancy period (ORdepression = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.14∼8.75; ORanxiety = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.51∼6.28) and first trimester (ORdepression = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.13∼7.45; ORanxiety = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.55∼6.25) were associated with increased risks of antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed the above associations were not nonlinear. ConclusionOur study is the first to propose that exposure to high levels of outdoor ALAN three months before pregnancy and during the first trimester of pregnancy is a risk factor for antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms.

Metabolic profiling of blood plasma in depression in pregnant women during early pregnancy.

The study aimed to perform metabolic profiling of serum samples using liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and to explore potential biomarkers of early trimester depression. Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), participants were randomly divided into study and control groups. Serum metabolic profiles of the two groups were analysed by using LC-MS. Differential metabolite and pathway analysis were identified by using orthogonal projections to latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Additionally, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were also conducted to explore potential biomarkers of antenatal depression (AD). The study included 41 participants, consisting of 16 subjects with AD and 25 controls. A total of 22 different metabolites were identified (p < .005), mainly affecting glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, phenylalanine metabolism, and butanoate metabolism. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the LysoPC (24:0) was 0.858. This suggests that LysoPC (24:0) may be a potentially effective predictor of risk factors for AD. The study suggests that LysoPC (24:0) may be an effective and specific lipid biomarker for early trimester depression.

“Social support and stressful life events: risk factors for antenatal depression in nulliparous and multiparous women”

ABSTRACT Nulliparous (pregnant women who are giving birth for the first time) and multiparous (women who have multiple children) may have different concerns, which may be associated with risk of antenatal depression. This study aims to examine the role of social support and stressful life events as risk factors for antenatal depression in nulliparous and multiparous women. The sample included 1,524 pregnant women recruited from an obstetrics setting at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy from two Spanish tertiary-care public hospitals. The sample completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the “social support” and “stressful life events” subscales of the Postpartum Depression Predictor Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R). Nulliparous women reported a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms (15.6 percent) compared to multiparous mothers (20.1 percent). In both groups, marriage/partner problems (NP: β = 0.178, p < .01 vs MP: β = 0.164, p < .01) and a perceived lack of instrumental support from friends (NP: β = -0.154, p < .01 vs MP: β = −0.154, p < .01) were significant risk factors for antenatal depression. However, nulliparous women have more risk factors such as unemployment (β = 0.096, p < .05), job change (β = 0.127, p < .01), financial problems (β = 0.145, p < .01) and lack of instrumental support from partner (β = −0187, p < .01). For multiparous women, moving (β = 0.080, p < .05) and lack of instrumental support from family (β = −0.151, p < .01) were risk factors. These results suggest the critical need for screening and designing preventive interventions adapted and taking into consideration parity to provide more effective health care during pregnancy.

Prevalence and risk factors of antenatal depression among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centers in Baghdad, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Prevalence and risk factors of antenatal depression among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centers in Baghdad, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

An economic evaluation of universal and targeted case-finding strategies for identifying antenatal depression: a model-based analysis comparing common case-finding instruments.

Half of women with depression in the perinatal period are not identified in routine care, and missed cases reflect inequalities in other areas of maternity care. Case finding (screening) for depression in pregnant women may be a cost-effective strategy to improve identification, and targeted case finding directs finite resources towards the greatest need. We compared the cost-effectiveness of three case-finding strategies: no case finding, universal (all pregnant women), and targeted (only pregnant women with risk factors for antenatal depression, i.e. history of anxiety/depression, age < 20 years, and adverse life events). A decision tree model was developed to represent case finding (at around 20 weeks gestation) and subsequent treatment for antenatal depression (up to 40 weeks gestation). Costs include case finding and treatment. Health benefits are measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The sensitivity and specificity of case-finding instruments and prevalence and severity of antenatal depression were estimated from a cohort study of pregnant women. Other model parameters were derived from published literature and expert consultation. The most cost-effective case-finding strategy was a two-stage strategy comprising the Whooley questions followed by the PHQ-9. The mean costs were £52 (universal), £61 (no case finding), and £62 (targeted case finding). Both case-finding strategies improve health compared with no case finding. Universal case finding is cost-saving. Costs associated with targeted case finding are similar to no case finding, with greater health gains, although targeted case finding is not cost-effective compared with universal case finding. Universal case finding for antenatal depression is cost-saving compared to no case finding and more cost-effective than targeted case finding.

Antenatal depression and anxiety in Indian women: A systematic review.

There is good evidence to suggest that high prevalence of depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. However, very few studies have focused on antenatal depression and anxiety disorders and their associated risk factors. Further, there are only a handful of studies from India on common antenatal mental health disorders. With this background, we reviewed the existing evidence on antenatal depression and anxiety from the studies conducted in Indian pregnant women during the antenatal period and to explore the associated risk factors. All the major databases were searched systematically for English language studies on prevalence and risk factors for antenatal depression and anxiety in Indian pregnant females, published during the period January 2000 to May 2022. Quality assessment of studies was done with the modified version of Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. We found the overall prevalence of antenatal depression was ranged from 3.8% to 65% and antenatal anxiety from 13 to 55%. The most relevant risk factors associated with antenatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy were preference to have a male child, intimate partner violence, history of abortions, marital conflict, poor relationship with the husband/in-laws and lack of social support. To conclude, the systematic review suggests that depressive and anxiety disorders are quite common in Indian pregnant women in antepartum period with varying prevalence depending on various settings and scales used. Steps should be taken to promote obstetricians for regular mental health screening during the antenatal visits and prompt referral to mental health professionals when suspected.

Antenatal depression, obstetric outcomes, and post-partum depression: results from a longitudinal, real-world study

IntroductionChanges in physiological and hormonal balance occurring during pregnancy and post-partum period can have relevant implications on woman’s mental health. Up to 65% of pregnant women experience depressed mood, low self-esteem, cognitive impairment, fatigue, loss of appetite as well as suicidal ideation. Anxiety and depressive symptoms have been described as impactful on the newborn’s health at the time of delivery. Despite this, few evidence exist on this topic.ObjectivesThe present paper aimed at assessing: 1) prevalence and risk factors of antenatal depression (AD); 2) the impact of AD on adverse obstetric outcomes and the onset of post-partum depression.MethodsPregnant outpatients attending the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” in Naples were asked to complete the Italian version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a 10-item self-reported questionnaire developed as screening tool of postnatal depression up to one year after delivery. Sociodemographic, clinical and gestational information was collected at baseline.ResultsA total of 268 pregnant women were recruited: 9.7% of them already suffered from depressive disorders and 22% from anxiety. EPDS mean total score was ≥10 in 36.2% of cases (97 out of 268). The presence of AD was longitudinally associated to a lower gestational age at the time of delivery and a higher 1 and 5 minutes APGAR scores. Moreover, AD was associated to a higher incidence of labor induction and the need of intensive care for the new-born. Finally, in our sample AD constituted a stable risk factor for EPDS scores within three days, one month and six months after delivery.ConclusionsThe presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy should deserve a higher clinical attention by health professionals, given the correlations with adverse obstetric outcomes and post-partum mental health. Training programmes should be encouraged and digital psychiatry could represent a strategy to monitor pregnant women at risk.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence and correlates of antenatal depression at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study.

Antenatal depression is associated with long-term disability in both mothers and new-borns. Inadequate data and research can constrain resource allocation and exacerbate the condition's symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and the characteristics associated with it among women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka. A cross-sectional survey of 281 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital was conducted using systematic random sampling. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess participants' depression, and related data were collected using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Prenatal depression was identified in 26.3 percent of pregnant women surveyed (95 CI: 21% -32%), with antenatal depression being significantly more prevalent in women who did not have a satisfactory relationship with their partner/significant other (OR=1.70, 95CI: 1.40-3.10). Unemployment was found to be a risk factor for antenatal depression, with a 1.3 (95 CI:1.04-1.5) fold increased risk compared to employed women. Depressive symptoms are common among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in primary care, and unemployment, as well as a lack of relationship satisfaction with the spouse/significant other, increases the risk of depression.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Antenatal Depression among Pregnant Women Attending Tertiary Care Hospitals in South India.

Antenatal depression (AND) is a common mood disorder that affects both the mother and the child. The current study is aimed at identifying the prevalence of antenatal depression and the risk factors associated with it in South Indian pregnant women. The current study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital where pregnancy and postnatal care are offered. In the study, 314 pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinic for their prenatal checkups were included. To diagnose possible depression, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used. The chi-square test was applied to determine the association between antenatal depression and various socioeconomic, obstetric, and medical factors. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant confounding variables. Of the total 314 women, 69 (21.98%) were suffering from possible depression with the mean EPDS score being 10.61 ± 7.48. Women of younger age had greater risks for depression than older women (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 0.56-7.20). Maternal age (χ 2 = 0.013, p = 0.009) and the presence of health issues during the current pregnancy (χ 2 = 5.18, p = 0.023) were the factors significantly associated with antenatal depression. Clinical efforts should focus on screening antenatal depression, early identification, and effective care, thus preventing progression to postpartum depression and its detrimental effects.

Social and obstetric risk factors of antenatal depression: A cross-sectional study from South-India.

Antenatal depression is as prevalent as postpartum depression and studies on it are very few. It has been relatively neglected leading to adverse effects on the growing child as well as the mother. Hence screening of depression in high risk individuals, planning and adopting important strategies for prevention needs to be undertaken. Our study aimed to assess the modifiable social and obstetric risk factors of antenatal depression. Third trimester pregnant women of 18-40 years attending obstetric out-patient department and admitted in tertiary hospitals who had no past psychiatric illness were screened using Edinburgh postnatal depression scale after obtaining written consent, socio-demographic and obstetric details. Statistical analysis was calculated using IBM version SPSS 23. Among 222 women recruited, 25.6% had antenatal depression. Significant associations were found between lower level of education (p=0.02,O.R=1.87), urban population (p=0.04,O.R=5.139), intimate partner violence (p=0.01,O.R=15.769), daily alcohol use by husband (p<0.00,O.R=15.281), poor relationship with in-laws (p<0.000,O.R=21.733) and parents (p<0.000,O.R=15.281), number of previous pregnancies (p=0.026,O.R=5.545), parity (p=0.04,O.R=4.187), previous abortions (p=0.007,O.R=2.834), fear of labour (p<0.000,O.R=5.77) and complications during pregnancy (p<0.000,O.R=3.017) with antenatal depression. Living in urban area (p=0.023, A.O.R=3.132), fear of labour (p<0.000, A.O.R=7.398), intimate partner violence (p=0.026, A.O.R=36.655), poor relationship with in-laws (p=0.001, A.O.R=36.855) and parents (p=0.042, A.O.R=8.377) were found to be predictors of antenatal depression. Antenatal depression is multifactorial in origin and requires a multifactorial approach in prevention and treatment. Routine antenatal screening for depression must be conducted with efforts to build strong family, peer and social support at community level.

Antenatal Depression among Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Depression is among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders affecting women. Depressive disorders are predicted to be the second leading cause of global disability burden by 2020. The risk of depression increased significantly during pregnancy and clinically significant depressive symptoms are common in mid and late trimesters. The purpose of present study is to determine the frequency of antenatal depression, so that better strategies and early management was recommended in such patients to reduce frequency of depression. Objectives: To determine the frequency of antenatal depression among pregnant women presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Study Settings: This Cross sectional Study was conducted at the Department of obstetrics and Gynaecology unit I of Civil Hospital Karachi for the duration of six months from January, 2019 to June, 2019. Subject and Methods: A total of 150 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were included in this study. EPDS is the most widely used screening questionnaire for postpartum depression and has been widely validated for not only this condition but also antenatal depression. We chose to regard an EPDS score ≥12 as indicating depression. All information was recorded in predesigned proforma. Results: The average age of the patients was 25.85±4.49 years. Frequency of antenatal depression among pregnant women was 46.67% (70/150). Conclusion: The prevalence of antepartum depression among pregnant women was high and the greatest contributor is the thought of harming herself. We therefore recommended that pregnant women be routinely screened for depression during antenatal care. The necessary psychological care for pregnant women, especially those with risk factors for antenatal depression, should be provided by PCH centers. Keywords: Antenatal depression, psychiatric disorders, psychological care.

Burden and risk factors for antenatal depression and its effect on preterm birth in South Asia: A population-based cohort study.

IntroductionWomen experience high rates of depression, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum periods. Using population-based data from Bangladesh and Pakistan, we estimated the burden of antenatal depression, its risk factors, and its effect on preterm birth.MethodsThe study uses the following data: maternal depression measured between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation using the 9–question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); data on pregnancy including an ultrasound before 19 weeks of gestation; data on pregnancy outcomes; and data on woman’s age, education, parity, weight, height, history of previous illness, prior miscarriage, stillbirth, husband’s education, and household socioeconomic data collected during early pregnancy. Using PHQ-9 cutoff score of ≥12, women were categorized into none to mild depression or moderate to moderately severe depression. Using ultrasound data, preterm birth was defined as babies born <37 weeks of gestation. To identify risk ratios (RR) for antenatal depression, unadjusted and adjusted RR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using log- binomial model. Log-binomial models were also used for determining the effect of antenatal depression on preterm birth adjusting for potential confounders. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16 (StataCorp LP).ResultsAbout 6% of the women reported moderate to moderately severe depressive symptoms during the antenatal period. A parity of ≥2 and the highest household wealth status were associated with an increased risk of depression. The overall incidence of preterm birth was 13.4%. Maternal antenatal depression was significantly associated with the risk of preterm birth (ARR, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.02–1.74).ConclusionThe increased risk of preterm birth in women with antenatal depression in conjunction with other significant risk factors suggests that depression likely occurs within a constellation of other risk factors. Thus, to effectively address the burden of preterm birth, programs require developing and providing integrated care addressing multiple risk factors.

The prevalence of and factors associated with antenatal depression among all pregnant women first attending antenatal care: a cross-sectional study in a comprehensive teaching hospital

BackgroundAntenatal depression has become a common and serious problem, significantly affecting maternal and fetal health. However, evaluation and intervention methods for pregnant women in obstetric clinics are inadequate. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for depression among all pregnant women at their first attending antenatal care in the obstetrics clinic, a comprehensive teaching hospital, southwest of China.MethodsFrom June to December 2019, 5780 pregnant women completed online psychological assessments, and data from 5728 of the women were analyzed. The women were categorized into two groups according to the presence or absence of depression. Depression was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with a cutoff point of 10 for depression. Anxiety and somatic symptoms were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), respectively. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association among antenatal depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms and participants’ characteristics.ResultsThe prevalence of antenatal depression among all the pregnant women at their first attending antenatal care was 16.3%, higher in the first trimester (18.1%). Anxiety symptoms (Mild anxiety AOR = 2.937; 95% CI: 2.448–3.524) and somatic symptoms (Mild somatic symptoms AOR = 3.938; 95% CI: 2.888–3.368) were major risk factors for antenatal depression among women and the risk increased more with the anxiety level or somatic symptoms level. Gestational weeks (second trimester AOR = 0.611; 95% CI: 0.483–0.773; third trimester AOR = 0.337; 95% CI: 0.228–0.498) and urban residence (AOR = 0.786; 95% CI: 0.652–0.947) were protective factors for antenatal depression among women.ConclusionsAbout one in six pregnant women would experience depression, and special attention should be paid to some risk factors (i.e., early pregnancy, anxiety symptoms, somatic symptoms, rural residence). Online psychological assessments might be a time-saving and convenient screening method for pregnant women in obstetric clinics.

Risk factors for antenatal depression: A review.

Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in pregnancy, and yet it is less studied than postpartum depression despite the consequences it may have on both the pregnant woman and her offspring. Therefore, it would be important to know which risk factors may favour the appearance of antenatal depression in order to carry out appropriate prevention interventions. The aim of the present review was to identify the main risk factors of antenatal depression. We searched in databases PubMed and PsycINFO for articles published about the factors associated with antenatal depression from January 2010 through December 2020. The literature review identified three main groups of antenatal depression risk factors: sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychological. First, among the sociodemographic variables, the low level of studies and the economic income clearly stood out from the rest. Then, not having planned the pregnancy was the main obstetric variable, and finally, the main psychological risk factors were having a history of psychological disorders and/or depression as well as presenting anxiety, stress, and/or low social support during pregnancy. This review shows that the antenatal depression is affected by multiple factors. Most can be identified at the beginning of the pregnancy, and some are risk factors potentially modifiable through appropriate interventions, such as psychological factors. For this reason, it is important to carry out a good screening for depression during pregnancy and consequently, be able to prevent its appearance or treat it if necessary.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of antenatal depression among Brazilian pregnant women: A population-based study

• Antenatal depression (AD) is a common maternal mental health disorder that affects women globally and is considered a public health concern, especially in developing countries. • Overall, there is a lack of population-based studies assessing the prevalence and the relationship between sociodemographic and obstetric variables with AD. • Among 22.621 women (18–49 years old) from the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS−2013) there was 800 pregnant women. The AD prevalence was 11.4% (95%CI: 8.5% - 14.9%). • AD was associated with lower education, a non-white skin color and living alone. • In Brazil, AD is prevalent and its associated with a vulnerable sociodemographic profile. An equitable mental health assistance for pregnant women should consider risks factors such as race, education and partner status. Antenatal depression is frequently prevalent but results may vary among studies. We aim to estimate the prevalence of antenatal depression and its associated sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors. We used data from the Brazilian National Survey (PNS 2013), a population-based study, with complex and probabilistic sampling method. Of the 22.445 women at reproductive age (18 to 49 years old) participants in the PNS 2013, there were 800 women reported being pregnant at the time of interview. All participants answered the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and a questionnaire with sociodemographic, obstetric and clinical data. Pregnant women with a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 were classified as “Depressed”. All variables were categorized. Logistic regression models were performed to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the association between explanatory variables and antenatal depression. Among 800 pregnant women, 95 (11.4%; 95%CI: 8.5%:14.9%) were classified as depressed. In the adjusted analysis, the following variables were associated with higher risk of AD: an elementary school degree (adjusted OR 5.22, 95% CI 2.10:12.9), a non-white skin color (aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.44 - 4.94) and living alone (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.12:4.18). In Brazil, antenatal depression is prevalent and its associated with a vulnerable sociodemographic profile. An equitable mental health assistance for pregnant women should consider risks factors such as race, education and partner status.

Perinatal depression in Pakistan: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of perinatal depression in Pakistan. We conducted a systematic search of Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Global health, up through May 31, 2019. Studies reporting on the prevalence of perinatal depression in Pakistan with or without associated risks factors were included. Forty-three studies reporting data from 17544 women met the eligibility criteria and were included. Overall, the pooled prevalence of antenatal depression was 37% (95% CI: 30-44), while that of postnatal depression was 30% (95% CI: 25-36). The prevalence of perinatal depression in women residing in urban areas and those living in rural settings was not significantly different. The most frequently reported risk factors for antenatal depression were intimate partner violence and poor relationship with spouse, and that reported for postnatal depression was low-income level. An unintended pregnancy was significantly associated with perinatal depression in Pakistan. We identified variability in prevalence rate of perinatal depression in Pakistan. It is difficult to gauge the true magnitude of this problem potentially due to differing risk factors between the antenatal and postnatal periods and the lack of uniformity of data collection protocols and procedures. The high prevalence rates of 30%-37% compared to global estimates suggest policy makers and stakeholders should direct additional resources toward improving perinatal mental health in Pakistan.

Antenatal depression and anxiety and early pregnancy BMI among White British and South Asian women: retrospective analysis of data from the Born in Bradford cohort

BackgroundMaternal obesity has severe physical impacts such as increased chances of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. However, mental health impacts are given less attention within antenatal care. Evidence suggests that women with obesity carry increased risk of maternal depression and anxiety, however, this association is not well researched amongst South Asian women in the UK who are vulnerable to both. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between antenatal depression and anxiety and early pregnancy BMI, within and between White British and South Asian women, using data from the Born in Bradford cohort.MethodsDepression and anxiety were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ); a GHQ score of > 0 for the depression subscale and > 6 for anxiety. Mother’s BMI was stratified into six World Health Organisation BMI categories (underweight, recommended, overweight or obese class 1–3). To determine associations, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models (adjusting for maternal age, education, deprivation and smoking) were used.ResultsThere were 7824 women included (3514 White British and 4310 South Asian). South Asian women were more likely to have depression than White British (43.3% vs 36.1% p < 0.0001) and less likely to have anxiety (45.3% vs 48.4% p < 0.01). There were no significant associations between BMI and depression or anxiety in South Asian women. White British women with an overweight BMI had higher odds of anxiety compared with women with a recommended BMI (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval 1.05–1.47). No significant associations were observed for other BMI categories. Smoking was a risk factor for antenatal depression (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–1.56; AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.49–2.91) and anxiety (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57; (AOR 2.87, 95% CI 2.02–4.07) in both White British and South Asian women, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough South Asian women have a higher prevalence of depression than White women in this cohort, the known associations between maternal obesity and anxiety do not appear to be present. More studies are needed using validated depression tools for South Asian pregnant women. Mental health screening during antenatal care is important for South Asian women, with factors such as smoking considered.

Antenatal depression: an examination of prevalence and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Harare polyclinics

BackgroundAntenatal depression is the most prevalent common mental health disorder affecting pregnant women. Here, we report the prevalence of and associated factors for antenatal depression among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Harare, Zimbabwe.MethodsFrom January–April 2018, 375 pregnant women, aged 16–46 years, residing mostly in Harare’s high-density suburbs were recruited from two randomly-selected polyclinics. Antenatal depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Sociodemographic data including; maternal age, education, marital status, economic status, obstetric history and experiences with violence were also collected. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between antenatal depression and participants’ characteristics.ResultsThe prevalence of antenatal depression was 23.47% (95% CI: 19.27–28.09). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed intimate partner violence (IPV) [OR 2.45 (95% CI: 1.47–4.19)] and experiencing negative life events [OR 2.02 (95% CI: 1.19–3.42)] as risk factors for antenatal depression, with being married/cohabiting [OR 0.45 (95% CI: 0.25–0.80)] being a protective factor.ConclusionThe prevalence of antenatal depression is high with associated factors being interpersonal. Context-specific interventions are therefore needed to address the complexity of the factors associated with antenatal depression.

Validation of Chinese Multidimensional Depression Assessment Scale (MDAS) in Inner Mongolia pregnant women and risk factors of antenatal depression in Inner Mongolia in the era of one-child policy.

BackgroundPregnancy involves physiological changes in reproductive and endocrine systems, and social role changes that can increase the risk of mental health problems. In China, greater emphasis has been given to postpartum depression and its negative impact on infant development. This study examined depression in pregnant women in Inner Mongolia, who are under the influence of cultural values of collectivism and social factors specific to China. Chinese society adheres firmly to traditional values, while market reform, birth-control policy, together with high parental investment in childcare and rearing construct a unique and sometimes unfavorable environment for Chinese women that may influence their depression expression.The aims of this study are twofoldFirst, it validated the Chinese Multidimensional Depression Assessment Scale (MDAS), a holistic self-report questionnaire measuring depression severity in four domains of depression-emotional, somatic, cognitive and interpersonal in pregnant women in Inner Mongolia; second, it examined the influences of demographic characteristics (including age, education and employment), pregnancy characteristics (week of gestation, first pregnancy), self-esteem, social support, social activity, work stress, and work-family balance on depression.MethodsA total of 234 pregnant women, mostly in their third trimester, were recruited in an antenatal hospital in Inner Mongolia and self-reported questionnaires were completed.ResultsUsing Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), MDAS gave rise to a best-fit four-factor model corresponding to each subscale when it was first developed. MDAS also reported high Cronbach’s alpha (0.96) and good convergent validity. Using hierarchical multiple linear regressions with significant demographic variables controlled for, self-esteem, work-family conflict, and social support were found to be significant predictors for depression.ConclusionsMDAS is a valid scale to be used with Chinese pregnant women, especially in more collectivistic geographical areas. Risk factors specific to the Chinese context add insights to the experience of antenatal depression in China and contribute to understanding depression in from a global mental health perspective.

Prevalence and risk factors of depressive symptoms in low-risk pregnancy

Objective To demonstrate the prevalence and risk factors of antenatal depression among low-risk pregnant women residing in Assiut, Egypt. Patients and methods A total of 100 pregnant women were recruited from primary health centers who met the inclusion criteria, and they were evaluated using the Arabic version of the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Symptoms (EPDS) questionnaire before and after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women who scored EPDS more than or equal to 13 were subjected to the Arabic version of Beck Depression Inventory to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms. Correlations were made with demographic and obstetric risk factors. Results Overall, 18% scored EDPS more than or equal to 13 at the firstt visit compared with 32% at the second visit. In the firstt visit, two women were classified by Beck Depression Inventory as severe (11%), nine women as moderate (50%), and seven as mild (38.9%). At the second visit, six women were classified as severe (18%), 20 as moderate (62%), and six as mild (18%). Age, presence of husband, socioeconomic state, living at family home proved statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Moreover, parity, unwanted pregnancy, known female fetus, and number of living female offsprings proved statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms. There was a significant relationship between EPDS in firstt visit and EPDS in second visit. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, low socioeconomic level, unwanted pregnancy, and number of living female offsprings were positive predictors of antenatal depression, but the association lacked statistical significance. Conclusion Depressive symptoms are common in second half of the pregnancy. Age, socioeconomic level, absence of husband, parity, unwanted pregnancy, and number of living female offsprings are risk factors for depressive symptoms during pregnancy.