Naslov
Predictors of depressive symptoms during pregnancy

Autori
Žutić, Maja ; Nakić Radoš, Sandra ; Kuna, Krunoslav

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), znanstveni

Izvornik
Protection and promotion of the well-being of children, youth, and families: Selected Proceedings of the 1st International Scientific Conference of the Department of Psychology at the Catholic University of Croatia / Nakić Radoš, Sandra - Zagreb : Hrvatsko katoličko sveučilište, 2018, 155-172

ISBN
9789538014222

Skup
Protection and promotion of the well-being of children, youth, and families: 1st International Scientific Conference of the Department of Psychology at the Catholic University of Croatia

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska, 07.12.2017. - 08.12.2017

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Domaća recenzija

Ključne riječi
depression ; pregnancy ; risk factors ; stress ; anxiety

Sažetak
Background: 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 their offspring. While the risk factors for postpartum depression have been extensively studied, the predictors of depression during pregnancy have been far less explored. Even though depression is recognized as an important health issue, it is still a relatively neglected component of pregnancy care. The aim of this research was twofold: (1) to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and (2) to investigate whether anxiety (general and pregnancy-specific), perceived stress, coping strategies, self- esteem, perceived social support, and sociodemographic and obstetric data were significant predictors of depression symptoms during pregnancy. Method: Pregnant women (N=310) participated in the study in the 32nd week of pregnancy on average. They were approached at a prenatal clinic where they filled in the following questionnaires: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a short version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21), the Pregnancy Concerns Scale (PCS) as a measure of pregnancy- specific anxiety, the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE), the Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale (RSES), the Social Support Appraisal Scale (SS-A) as a measure of social support from family and friends, the Perceived Support from Partner Scale (PSPS), and the sociodemographic and obstetric sheet. Results: Results showed that 10- 13% of the women had elevated depressive symptoms and the most important factor in predicting depressive symptoms during pregnancy was the higher levels of stress. Additional risk factors included state anxiety, avoidance as a style of coping with stress, low self-esteem, and a history of depression symptoms. Conclusion: These findings have implications for the 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.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA