Prevalence and Factors Associated with Antenatal Depression in Makkah Al-Mokarramah, 2019

Background: Depression is one of the major disease affecting women and is considered as one of the most common causes of mental illness during pregnancy. Antenatal depression is a risk factor for postpartum depression, adverse effect on obstetric and neonatal health conditions. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and determine the risk factors of depression among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Makkah between 1st and 26th of December 2019. Subjects and methods: Analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in Makkah Al-Mokarramah including a representative random sample of pregnant women who attending selected during the time of 1st - 26th of December 2019. Data were collected by using a questionnaire including sociodemographic data and risk factors associated with antenatal depression as well as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to screen for depression. Results: The study included 136 women. Their age ranged between 20 and 52 with a mean±SD of 31.0±6.2 years. More than one third (41.2%) of the women were at high risk for depression whereas 24.3% were at possible risk for depression. Paticipants` house income was the only socio-demographic factor significantly associated with risk of antenatal depression, p=0.012. None of obstetric factors was significantly associated with the risk of antenatal depression. In the current pregnancy, having no family support, particularly from the husband was a significant factor for antenatal depression, p=0.007. Also, having family history of antenatal depression was significantly associated with antenatal depression, p=0.018. Conclusion: Antenatal depression is a relatively common health problems encountered by pregnant women attending antenatal care at primary healthcare centers, Ministry of Health in Makkah city.