Barriers to treatment-seeking behaviors among pregnant women with depression: a national cross-sectional study in Indonesia.

Abstract

Background: Hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy affect mothers' mental health. Because depression during pregnancy is closely associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, treatment is important for pregnant women with depression. This study aimed to identify barriers to treatment-seeking behaviors among pregnant women with depression in Indonesia.

Methods: Data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research were used, which focused on pregnant women aged 15-54 years who exhibited depressive symptoms. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess depression. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors affecting treatment-seeking behaviors.

Results: Among the pregnant women in Indonesia, 7.9% experienced depression; however, only 11.4% sought treatment. Higher transportation costs to the clinic were associated with 41% lower odds of seeking treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.95; P=0.029). Women in their second and third trimesters had 48% (AOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.98; P=0.042) and 54% (AOR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.89; P=0.022) lower odds of seeking treatment, respectively, than those in their first trimester.

Conclusion: Financial barriers and the challenges of late pregnancy hinder treatment-seeking behaviors for depression in pregnant women. Therefore, there is an urgent need for affordable and accessible mental health care for vulnerable populations.