The relationship between mental disorders, quality of life, and pregnancy: findings from a nationally representative sample

Abstract

Background: The present study examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the prevalence of mental disorders in pregnant and past-year pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.

Method: Data came from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Three groups of women (ages 18-44) were compared: currently pregnant (n=451), past-year pregnant (n=1061), and not pregnant (n=10,544). Past-year mood, anxiety and substance use disorders were assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV version. HRQOL was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-12). All analyses included sociodemographics as covariates.

Results: Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that pregnant women were less likely than non-pregnant women to have depression and alcohol abuse or dependence; and less likely than past-year pregnant women to have depression and mania. Past-year pregnant women were less likely than non-pregnant women to have social phobia and alcohol dependence or abuse. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that pregnant and non-pregnant women had higher mental component scores than past-year pregnant women. Physical component scores were lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant and past-year pregnant groups.

Limitations: This was a cross-sectional survey and the causality of relationships cannot be inferred.

Conclusions: Results suggest that pregnant women have a lower likelihood of mental disorder than both non-pregnant and past-year pregnant women.