PREVALENCE OF ANTENATAL DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINICS IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

Antenatal depression is increasingly being recognized as an important public health issue. According to WHO, depression is a common mental illness which is ranked the third most prevalent moderate and severe disabling condition globally. Depression in pregnancy has been associated with somatic symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, palpitation and dizziness which have been associated with increased healthcare utilization, functional impairment and absenteeism from work. It has been associated with preterm, post-neonatal deaths, prolonged labour and non-vaginal delivery. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Antenatal Depression and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State .It identified most prevalent predictors of antenatal depression among pregnant women in Abeokuta North LGA and prevalence of antenatal depression in each trimester. A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted, interviewing a sample of 314 pregnant women, who were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Information on demographics and factors associated with antenatal depression were collected using structured questionnaire, and a screening tool Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to collect information on women to assess probable depression. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and proportions to summarise the data. Chi square and student t-test were used to test association between categorical and means of continuous variables, respectively. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of antenatal depression. Level of significance was set at 5%. Mean age of respondents was 27.3±5.3 years. Most of the respondents were aged 21-35 years (82%); Yoruba (98.1%); married (93%); traders (55.9%). In addition, 78.5% were from a monogamous family: 50.6% had secondary school level of education and 68.9% had small family size (1-4 persons). Prevalence of antenatal depression was 24.5%. In terms of gestational age of pregnancy, prevalence of antenatal depression was 27.5%, 25% and 23.5% in first, second and third trimesters, respectively. There were significant associations between antenatal depression and attending public health facility (p=0.000),young maternal age (p=0.012), single marital status (p=0.010). no formal education (p=0.022),large family size (p=0.029), planned pregnancy (p=0.014), co-existing medical conditions (p=0.034), and history of previous caesarian section (p=0.032).There were significant associations between antenatal depression and drinking alcohol during pregnancy (p=0.004) and gender based abuse and (p=0.001). On health-seeking behaviour for antenatal depression among depressed pregnant women, most, 68.9%, consulted their husbands about symptoms of antenatal depression; most,57.3%, took decision to get treatment on doctors' information, advice or recommendation; about half, 52%, sought prayer in the church as a form of treatment and some sought treatment in the hospital (41.3%). Antenatal depression is prevalent in this study population. Interventions to address its associated risk factors such as young age, premarital pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, history of previous caesarian section, lack of education and co-existing medical condition should be carried out and physicians should suspect depression in pregnant women reporting alcohol use and gender abuse.