Depression, anxiety and influencing factors in pregnancy: a study in a Turkish population

Abstract

Objectives: to determine the prevalence of depression in pregnancy and the factors that influence the development of depression and anxiety in pregnancy in a Turkish population.

Design: a descriptive, correlational study.

Setting: a public hospital in Ankara Province Centre, Ankara, Turkey.

Participants: 1,039 pregnant women selected using a convenience sampling method.

Findings: 27.9% (n=290) of the 1,039 women were found to be experiencing depression at a level requiring treatment. In a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis model developed for depression and anxiety, the following were found to be statistically significant factors influencing the experience of both depression and anxiety: perceived social support; recent experience of marital or emotional problems during and before this pregnancy; recent experience of life stress; having a negative self-perception; experience of physical violence; and experience of physical problems during pregnancy. Statistically significant factors influencing depression were marital dissatisfaction, being a housewife, having an unwanted pregnancy, and having a formal marriage. The correlation between total anxiety and depression scores was at a medium level (Pearson correlation=0.592).

Key conclusions: many factors influenced the development of depression and anxiety in pregnancy, and a positive correlation was found between depression and anxiety. Midwives and nurses can evaluate pregnant women for these risk factors, and arrange for additional follow-up. They can also offer preventive care and, when necessary, assist with early diagnosis and treatment to improve the health of mothers and babies.