Antenatal Depression in a Tertiary Care Hospital

CONTEXT: Antenatal depression is not easily visible, though the prevalence is high. The idea of conducting this study was conceived from this fact. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of antenatal depression and identify the risk factors, for early diagnosis and intervention. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital was prospective and cross-sectional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women between 18 and 40 years of age were studied. The sample size comprised 318 women. They were assessed using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis I Disorders, Life Event Stress Scale (LESS), and Life Distress Inventory (LDI). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 15 software was used to measure percentages, mean, correlation, and P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Prevalence of antenatal depression in the study was 12.3%. Correlation of the sociodemographic factors, obstetric factors, LDI, and LESS with EPDS scores showed statistical significance for unplanned pregnancy, distress associated with relationships, physical health, financial situation, social life, presence of personality disorder, being a homemaker, and higher educational status. CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence rate of depression and identified risk factors.