Anxiety and Depression During Antenatal Period In Low Risk Pregnant Women

Nasreen Fatima, Tuba Nadeem

Abstract

Objective

To determine the frequency of anxiety and depression during antenatal period in low risk pregnant women.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, from October 2018 to March 2019.

Methodology

Pregnant women visiting the outpatient Department were enrolled in the study after informed consent. Brief history was taken in a conducive environment while maintaining confidentiality. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to diagnose anxiety and depression. Data were collected on a pre designed form. Quantitative data were presented as simple descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables as frequency and percentages. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to find out the effect of these on the outcome variables. Post stratification Chi square test was applied taking p-value of < 0.05 as significant.

Results

A total of 150 consecutive pregnant women participated. Mean age of the women was 30.93±7.28 year, mean HAD depression score of 8.86±4.15 and mean anxiety score of 9.23±5.68 were noted. Thirty-five (23.3%) women had depression and 30 (20%) suffered from anxiety.

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression were quite common during antenatal period even in low risk pregnant females. Screening for anxiety and depression should be incorporated in the currently existing antenatal program. 

Key words

Anxiety, Depression, Pregnancy, Antenatal, Morbidity.