Peer-reviewed article
Prevalence and Determinants of Antepartum Depression among Antenatal Women in a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-sectional study
Abhirami MV, Rajini S ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This hospital-based cross-sectional study screened 210 pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in India for depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. It found that 40.0% screened positive. Low or moderate social support, pregnancy of less than 32 weeks, the husband's non-professional occupation and consanguinity were independently linked to screening positive. The authors recommend routine screening and adding mental health services to antenatal care. The study is about maternal mental health. Children are mentioned only as a reason the topic matters, and no child outcomes were measured.
Key points
- 84 of 210 antenatal women (40.0%) screened positive for antepartum depressive symptoms (EPDS cut-off ≥13).
- Low or moderate social support was independently associated with screening positive (AOR=2.63).
- Gestational age under 32 weeks was independently associated with screening positive (AOR=3.21).
- Husband's non-professional occupation (AOR=4.48) and consanguinity (AOR=2.91) were also independently associated.
- The authors recommend routine EPDS screening and integrating mental health services into antenatal care.
Limitations
This is a single-hospital cross-sectional study, so it cannot show cause and effect or be generalised to all women in India. It used a screening tool rather than a clinical diagnosis, and it did not measure any outcomes for children or fetuses.
Abstract
Background: Antepartum depression (APD) is a significant public health concern affecting maternal well-being, pregnancy outcomes, and child development. In India, APD remains under-recognized despite its high prevalence. Identifying its burden and determinants is essential for strengthening maternal mental health services. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 antenatal mothers attending outpatient and inpatient departments from February to May 2025. Sample size was calculated using prevalence from a South Indian study. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. APD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) with a cut-off score ≥13. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate analysis employed Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, followed by logistic regression for variables with p<0.20. Results: Among the 210 participants, 84 (40.0%) were screened positive for Antepartum depressive symptoms. Maternal education, husband’s occupation, gestational age, social support, and consanguinity showed significant associations. Multivariable analysis identified low/moderate social support (AOR=2.63), gestational age <32 weeks (AOR=3.21), husband’s non-professional occupation (AOR=4.48), and consanguinity (AOR=2.91) factors independently associated with screening-positive antepartum depressive symptoms. Conclusions: APD is highly prevalent, driven largely by psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. Routine EPDS screening and integration of mental health services into antenatal care are strongly recommended. Clinical Significance: Routine screening for antepartum depression using EPDS and identification of high-risk groups such as women with poor social support and socioeconomic stress can improve early detection and management, thereby enhancing maternal and fetal outcomes.