engleski

Predictors of depressive symptoms during pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most prominent changes for many women, and for some it represents a period of elevated anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms which create health risks for both women and the foetus (preterm delivery, low birth weight, higher intensity of labour birth pain, etc.). While the risk factors for postpartum depression have been extensively studied, the predictors of depression during pregnancy are far less explored. Even though depression is recognised as an important health issue, it is still a relatively neglected component of pregnancy care. The aim of this research was to investigate whether anxiety (general and pregnancy specific), perceived stress, coping strategies, self-esteem, perceived social support, sociodemographic and obstetric data were significant determinants of depression during pregnancy. Pregnant women (N=310) participated in the study at 32 weeks of pregnancy on average. They were approached at a university hospital centre in Zagreb where they filled out the following questionnaires: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), short version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Pregnancy Concerns Scale (PCS) as a measure of pregnancy specific anxiety, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Social Support Appraisal Scale (SS-A) as a measure of social support from family and friends, Perceived Support from Partner Scale (PSPS), and Sociodemographic and Obstetric Sheet. Results showed that 10-13% had elevated depressive symptoms and the most important factor in predicting depressive symptoms during pregnancy was the higher level of stress. Additional risk factors were elevated anxiety (general and specific concerns for finances and close relationships), low self-esteem, and history of depression. Results of this research could be used for development of intervention programmes with the aim of identifying high- risk women and making their pregnancy and upcoming transition to motherhood a healthier and more positive life experience.

depression ; pregnancy ; risk factors ; stress ; anxiety

nije evidentirano