Mental health during pregnancy: a study comparing Asian, Caucasian and Native Hawaiian women

This study examines perinatal mental health issues, ethnic differences, and comorbidity among pregnant women in Hawaii.

Eighty-four participants were recruited from women, ages 18-35, seeking prenatal care on Oahu. They were interviewed at their initial prenatal visit about substance use, depression, and anxiety.

Sixty-one percent of women screened positive for at least one mental health issue. Thirteen percent of all pregnant women reported drinking during pregnancy with 5% reporting problem drinking, 15% reported smoking cigarettes on a regular basis, 5% of pregnant women had probable depression, and 13% of pregnant women had probable anxiety. Significant ethnic differences were found in cigarette smoking, with the highest rate among Native Hawaiian women (35%). Native Hawaiian women were also more likely to binge drink.

Given the high rates of potential mental health issues in our sample, our findings highlight the importance of screening and treatment for mental health issues early in pregnancy in Hawaii.