Publication:

A cross sectional study on mental health status of pregnant women at urban health centre of Bangalore, India

Background Depressive disorders are a common source of disability among women. In addition to the economic and human costs of maternal depression, children of depressed mothers are at risk for health, developmental, and behavioural problems. Community-based epidemiological data on antenatal depression from developing countries is scarce.

Methods A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of 4 months in urban health centre in Bangalore. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 250 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. Information on socio-demographic variables, obstetric variables and mental health status was collected based on preformed proforma. Data was analysed using Statistical Programme for the social science (SPSS) version 16.0.

Results Amongst the study population, prevalence of depressive disorder was 24.8%.The depression was significantly increasing with advancing pregnancy. Socio economic status and depression was associated statistically significant (p=0.024). Educational status of women was associated with depression (p=0.053).women with history of abortion had more depression as compared to those who did not have abortions was statistically significant (p=0.02).

Conclusions Depressive symptoms occur commonly during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, drawing attention to a need to screen for depression during antenatal care.  Maternal health policies, a priority in developing countries, must integrate maternal depression as a disorder of public health importance. Interventions should target women in the early antenatal period.