Prevalence of Antenatal Depression and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective. The prevalence of antenatal depression (AD) and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Nigeria, was determined.Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, interviewing 314 pregnant women selected by multistage sampling technique from among those attending antenatal clinics. Information was collected using structured questionnaire and a screening tool, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), to assess probable depression.Results. The prevalence of antenatal depression was 24.5%. 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), not having formal education (P=0.022), large family size (P=0.029), planned pregnancy (P=0.014), coexisting medical conditions (P=0.034), history of previous caesarian section (P=0.032), drinking alcohol during pregnancy (P=0.004), and gender based abuse (P=0.001). On health seeking behaviour for antenatal depression among depressed pregnant women, most, 68.9%, consulted their husbands about their symptoms; 57.3% took the decision to get treatment from doctors, and 52% sought prayer in the church.Conclusion. Antenatal depression is prevalent in this study population. Interventions to address its risk factors should be carried out and physicians should suspect depression in pregnant women reporting alcohol use and gender abuse.