The study of prevalence and some risk factors of pregnancy depression

Abstract

Background: According to the results of prevalence studies conducted in many countries of the world, the prevalence of pregnancy depression is 10-15%, and it is more common during the last months of pregnancy. In 2002, the prevalence of postpartum depression among 1044 women in Ulaanbaatar was 9.1%, while in 2020, T. Mandhai etc. conducted an online survey among 600 expectant mothers, the prevalence of depression among expectant mothers was 41.2%, and 34.3% had suicidal thoughts. Determining the national prevalence of pregnancy depression and examining some of the risk factors that contribute to it, will provide a baseline study to identify the need for mental health support for pregnancy care. Therefore, there is a rarity of nationwide research on the prevalence of pregnancy depression in our country, which is the reason for conducting this study. Aim: To assess the prevalence of pregnancy depression and to study some risk factors affecting to this condition. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted by qualitative and analytical research methods using a cross sectional study model from February 21 to April 8, 2022 in 4 districts of Ulaanbaatar, 11 provinces and 12 soum in the West, East, Khangai, and Central regions. 1482 pregnant mothers who agreed to participate in the study were randomly selected from 80 sample units. A total of 4 parts of 79 questionnaires, body measurements, and clinical examination by psychiatrists were conducted to detect and diagnose depression in women who were at probable risk of depression. Depression was assessed using the internationally accepted 10-item Edinburgh Scale, with a total score of greater than 13 as depression. Research data was compiled and statistical processing was performed using SPSS 24 software. Ethics of research work: Ethical permission to conduct research was discussed at the meeting of the Research Ethics Review Committee of MNUMS on February 18, 2022. Also, at the meeting of the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health on March 15, 2022, ethical approval was obtained (Resolution No. 267 of the Ministry of Health, Medical Ethics Control Committee). Results: In our study, a total of 1482 expectant mothers aged 18-46 from 4 districts of Ulaanbaatar city and 11 provinces of rural areas participated, the average age was 30.12±5.88. Regarding education, 48.0% (n=712) had higher education and 28.5% (n=432) had secondary education. When examining marital status, 69.6% (n=1031) of mothers were living with their legal family, and 23.1% (n=343) were living with their partner. But the remaining percentage are single expectant mothers who are not divorced but living separately (3.9%, n=58), never married (2.7%, n=40), divorced or widowed (0.7%, n=10). 15.9% (n=235) of our study subjects were diagnosed with depression. Compared to mothers aged 40 and over, 19 years old and under is 6.7 times (p=0.004), 20-24 years old 4.7 times (p=0.001), 25-29 years old 3.2 times (p=0.011), 30-34 years old 3 times (p=0.012) suffering from major depression. Pregnant mothers who planned pregnancy were 0.6 times more likely than unplanned mothers (p=0.007), pregnant mothers who were currently abused were 2.3 times more likely than mothers who were not abused (p=0.003), pregnant mothers who were emotionally abused were 0.3 times more likely than non-victim mothers (p=0.002), pregnant mothers who are in conflicted family condition and in their relationship are 3.1 times (p=0.000) more likely to suffer from pregnancy depression than mothers with peaceful marriages. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among pregnant mothers was 15.9%. Pregnant mothers are too young, living in rural areas, unplanned pregnancies, living in a violent environment, especially emotional violence, and not having a peaceful family relationship contributing to expose pregnancy depression.