Depressive symptoms and comorbid problems in pregnancy - results from a population based study
Despina Pampaka1, Stefania I Papatheodorou1, Mohammad AlSeaidan2
1Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|August 12, 2018
Summary
One in five pregnant women in Kuwait experience antenatal depressive symptoms. These symptoms are linked to lower income, prior depression history, and comorbid mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Antenatal depression is a significant concern affecting maternal well-being.
- Identifying risk factors and comorbidities is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms in pregnant women.
- To identify risk factors associated with these symptoms.
- To assess comorbid mental health conditions.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from 1916 pregnant women in the TRACER study, Kuwait.
- Used Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) for screening.
- Logistic regression models analyzed associations with socio-demographic and psychosocial factors.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms (EDS score ≥10) was 20.1%.
- Associated with lower family income, prior depression history, and third trimester of pregnancy.
- Comorbidities included pregnancy-related anxiety, perceived stress, and PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- One in five pregnant women in Kuwait exhibits antenatal depressive symptoms.
- These symptoms frequently coexist with other mental health challenges.
- Screening and support for antenatal depression are recommended.
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