Prevalence and correlates of antenatal depression at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Antenatal depression is associated with long-term disability in both mothers and new-borns. Inadequate data and research can constrain resource allocation and exacerbate the condition's symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and the characteristics associated with it among women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of 281 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital was conducted using systematic random sampling. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess participants' depression, and related data were collected using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Prenatal depression was identified in 26.3 percent of pregnant women surveyed (95 CI: 21% -32%), with antenatal depression being significantly more prevalent in women who did not have a satisfactory relationship with their partner/significant other (OR=1.70, 95CI: 1.40–3.10). Unemployment was found to be a risk factor for antenatal depression, with a 1.3 (95 CI:1.04–1.5) fold increased risk compared to employed women. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms are common among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in primary care, and unemployment, as well as a lack of relationship satisfaction with the spouse/significant other, increases the risk of depression.