Comparison of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms between Husbandsof Women with High-Risk and Low-Risk Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Background: High-risk pregnancies, due to the need for special care and medical risks, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression in the spouses of pregnant women. This study aimed to compare symptoms of depression and anxiety in the spouses of women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies.

Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted using a case-control design. The study population included the spouses of women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies who entered in the Babol Pregnancy Mental Health Registry. A purposeful sampling method was used, with 160 participants (80 in each group) selected for the study. Two groups were matched for age, education, job, and history of having psychiatric disorders. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Index (BSI-18), and data analysis was performed using independent t tests and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: The frequency of depression (66.3 vs. 51.2%), anxiety (65.0 vs. 33.8%), and psychological distress (48.8 vs. 31.3%) was significantly higher in the spouses of women with high-risk pregnancies compared to those with low-risk pregnancies. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors of high-risk pregnancy (B=0.195, 95% confidence interval (Cl)=[0.300-3.142], P=0.018) and a history of previous high-risk pregnancies (B=0.214, 95% Cl=[0.559-4.107], P=0.010) were significant predictors of depression in the spouses of women with high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, educational level (B=-0.185, 95% Cl=[0.258-3.278], P=0.022) and high-risk pregnancy status (B=0.293, 95% Cl=[1.295-4.240], P<0.001) were identified as predictors of anxiety in the spouses.

Conclusion: High-risk pregnancy may be an important factor in the increased prevalence of depression and anxiety in spouses of pregnant women. These findings emphasize the importance of providing supportive interventions and psychological counseling for spouses alongside pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies.