Predictors of Antenatal Depression in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Antenatal depression is very common in pregnant women all over the world. Women in the developing and poor countries are more at risk. Several risk factors have been identified and some of them may lead to unbearable pregnancy situations, that pose a threat to mother and the baby. If pregnancy must be made pleasurable for mothers, then the risk factors which predict depression in pregnancy must be identified and considered in antenatal care.

Objective: To identify risk factors which are predictors to antenatal depression in pregnant women.

Methods: Within the months of January and February 2021, all the pregnant women who registered for antenatal care in the teaching hospital, who met the study inclusion criteria were assessed for depression using the English version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPDS) and a study designed risk factor questionnaire, which contained socio-demographic variables and other factors. Data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Variables were compared using chi squared and t-tests and p values < 0. 05 were statistically significant.

Results: Five hundred (500) respondents completed the study, 158 (31.6%) were depressed. Risk factors of co-habiting, threats to life, and/or pregnancy, fight with spouse and other forms of abuse, previous abortions and child health challenges, were predictors of antenatal depression.

Conclusion: Depression in pregnancy should be part of routine antenatal care by obstetricians noting the predictors.