Antenatal depression and related factors among pregnant women in Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluated depressive symptoms in pregnant women and identified risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital collecting data from November 2021 to March 2022, using a structured questionnaire among 444 pregnant women. Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to assess antenatal depression. Anxiety and social support were investigated by the PROMIS Anxiety Adult, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine related factors for antenatal depression.

Main findings: 68.2% of participants reported antenatal depressive symptoms. Risk factors were previous stillbirth, current gynecological diseases, and antenatal anxiety. While higher levels of social support, later trimester, higher educational levels were associated with lower psychological symptoms.

Conclusions: We emphasized the importance of implementing formal screening programs to detect antennal depression early and encourage the support from family and friends for expected mother during pregnancy.