Prevalence and predictive factors of depressive symptoms among primiparae in antenatal care: A cross-sectional study in the new families programme

Aim/ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and assess the strength of associations between antenatal depressive symptoms and selected possible predictive factors among women attending antenatal care for the first time at the Child Health Centre. BackgroundEvidence suggests that antenatal depression is a health problem as prevalent as postpartum depression. Antenatal depressive symptoms may persist into the postpartum period and potentially disturb the attachment between mother and family. DesignCross-sectional. MethodsA sample of 228 women who participated in the New Families research programme answering a questionnaire at Week 28 of pregnancy were included. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used as outcome measure. Prevalence was estimated, and backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to examine associations with somatic, psychiatric and social factors. STROBE checklist was followed. ResultsPrevalence of depressive symptoms in this sample was 17.9%. Women reporting not sleeping enough had significantly higher odds of having depressive symptoms. Pregnant women with high relationship satisfaction were less likely to have depressive symptoms. Neither maternal age, education, previous depression, coming from a non-Nordic country nor having complications during pregnancy were statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms. ConclusionsHigh prevalence of depressive symptoms may also be present in low-risk populations. Sleep and relationship satisfaction are topics that need to be addressed during pregnancy. Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe prevalence of depressive symptoms in this sample of low-risk pregnant women indicates that health personnel needs to be aware of depressive symptoms among women with no risk indicators. Identifying predictive factors associated with depressive symptoms may help midwives, public health nurses and general practitioners support parents. Our results indicate a potential need for screening for depressive symptoms in pregnancy and underscore the importance of involving partners in antenatal care. Patient/Public ContributionParents and health personnel participated in designing the New Family research programme.