Factors of Prenatal Depression by Stress-vulnerability and Stress-coping Models

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Obstetrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Prenatal depression affects maternal and infant well-being.
• Understanding contributing factors is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify factors associated with prenatal depression using stress-vulnerability and stress-coping models.
• Investigate the relationship between depression and psychological/social factors in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 107 pregnant women.
• Utilized Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II), Self-Esteem, Marital Satisfaction, Pregnancy Stress, Stressful Life Events, and Coping scales.
• Analyzed data using descriptive statistics, t-test, correlation, and stepwise multiple regression.

Main Results:

• 19.6% mild, 15.0% moderate, 0.9% severe prenatal depression (BDI II).
• Prenatal depression correlated positively with pregnancy stress and stressful life events.
• Negative correlations found with self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and coping strategies.
• Pregnancy stress, self-esteem, stressful life events, and planned pregnancy explained 38% of depression variance.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy stress, low self-esteem, stressful life events, and unplanned pregnancy are significant predictors of prenatal depression.
• Healthcare providers should routinely screen for and address these factors in pregnant populations.
• Interventions targeting these modifiable factors may reduce prenatal depression rates.