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Frequency and Associated Factors for Anxiety and Depression in Pregnant Women: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2012; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; Volume: 2012; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1100/2012/653098

2356-6140

Niloufer Sultan Ali, Iqbal Syed Azam, Badar Sabir Ali, Ghurnata Tabbusum, Sana S. Moin,

Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Antepartum anxiety and/or depression is a major public health problem globally. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of antepartum anxiety and/or depression among pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital among pregnant women. A total of 165 pregnant women were interviewed by a clinical psychologist using HADS for assessing anxiety and/or depression and also collected information regarding sociodemographic, obstetric, family relationships, and home environment. Out of the total of 165 pregnant women about 70 percent of them were either anxious and/or depressed. The increasing age of women ( P - value = 0.073 ), not having any live birth ( P - value = 0 .036 ), adverse pregnancy outcome in past including death of a child, stillbirth or abortion ( P - value = 0 .013 ), participant’s role in household decision making ( P - value = 0 .013 ), and domestic violence (verbal or physical abuse towards mother or children by any family member) ( P - value = 0 .123 ). Our study highlights that anxiety and/or depression is quite common among pregnant women. Therefore, there is a need to incorporate screening for anxiety and depression in the existing antenatal programs and development of strategies to provide practical support to those identified.