Antenatal depression: prevalence and risk factors in a hospital based Turkish sample

To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for antenatal depression.

From April to September 2011, a total of 651 pregnant women who had no chronic diseases, were at low risk for obstetric complications and who had no diagnosed depression before pregnancy were recruited for interview at Merkez Efendi Hospital, Maternal and Child out-patient department in western Turkey. The evaluation of depression was scored according to the Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square, Fisher exact, t test and stepwise multiple regression analyses.

Of the total, 71 (10.9%) women scored > or = 17 on the inventory. Low level of education, unplanned pregnancy, lack of social support and pregnancy-related physical symptoms were found to be the most important risk factors for antenatal depression.

Early identification and treatment of antenatal depression may improve pregnancy outcomes, and healthcare providers need to be sensitive to the risk factors for depression and strengthen the women's skills in coping with stress to improve their emotional health.