Depression, anxiety and stress among antenatal mothers in a tertiary level hospital of Kathmandu

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Maternal mental illness during antenatal is known as vulnerable period. Emotional aspect of pregnant women during antenatal care remains most of the time neglected, undetected and untreated. This study aimed to assess the depression, anxiety and stress among the antenatal mothers. Methods: Researcher conducted Cross-Sectional Descriptive Research Design using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 and a structured interview questionnaire. Ethical approval taken from T.U, IOM, Institutional Review Committee and NHRC funded. Data collected via interview with 244 antenatal mothers after written informed consent within four weeks, non-probability convenient method used for sampling. Anonymity, confidentiality and privacy was maintained. Data entered into EPI DATA 3.1 and exported to the statistical package for social science 22 version for further analysis. Strength of association was determined through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Result showed prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 7.8%, 13.9% and 11.1% respectively. Primigravida more prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress 8 %, 14.4% and 12%, than multigravida. Whereas, depression, anxiety and stress were more prevalent in first trimester than second trimester and third trimester which was 9.5%, 21.4% and 21.4%. The factors strongly associated with depression was facing domestic violence (AOR=23.338 95% CI: 5.034-108.199). The factors strongly associated with anxiety were facing domestic violence (AOR=21.975 95% CI: 5.826-82.882) and unable to take balance diet on daily basis were (AOR=3.420 95% CI: 1.362-8.588). The factors strongly associated with stress was facing domestic violence (AOR=67.106 95% CI: 14.439-311.883). Conclusions: Even though high prevalence of stress and anxiety were seen among antenatal mothers than depression, Depression is an alarming sign during pregnancy. Hence early detection and treatment is most crucial. Therefore, at least one routine mental and psychological screening test should be recommended as a part of routine antenatal check- up to promote maternal and child health in Nepal. Key Words: Antenatal mothers, Anxiety, Depression, Stress.