Prevalence of Depression among Antenatal Women in Sriperumbudur, Chennai

Background: Women are twice as likely as males to suffer from mood disorders, which tend to cluster around the childbearing years. Depression negatively influences maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Objective: The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of depression in pregnant women aged 18 – 35 yrs and to identify predictors accounting for variability across estimates during pandemic.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional study, conducted among 74 pregnant women coming for antenatal checkups in the Sriperumbudur, Chennai. Using height and weight values obtained from the sample, Body Mass Index (weight in kg/height in metre squares) was calculated. Hamilton – Depression Scale (HAM-d) was applied after initial psychiatry work up to all women who were selected for the interview. Mean of parameters were assessed and correlation value were calculated by Fisher’s exact test. The statistically significant P value was less than 0.05.

Results: The sociodemographic variables have been found as significant contributors in explaining the variability of the prevalence rates of antenatal depression. It showed positive correlation between economic status and depression (p<0.05) and a negative correlation between obesity and depression (p>0.05). According to the findings, fewer than 1/3rd of pregnant women experience depression as a result of life circumstances such as economic crises in order to support their families. These were identified as significant associate variables (P>0.05). And also, this study identified insufficient socioeconomic assistance were more likely to experience multiple psychological discomfort [atleast 1] than women who got appropriate economic support. (r = -0.118, P < 0.001)

Conclusion: In rural Tamilnadu, the prevalence of antenatal depression among women is significant. Antenatal Depression is caused by a number of circumstances, including physical, obstetric, economic, and family-related issues. To treat these antenatal depression risk factors, comprehensive therapies are required.