Factors affecting the depression and impact of depression on maternal outcomes: a prospective observational study from a rural tertiary care South Indian Hospital

ABSTRACT

Objective. There is a dearth of evidence from lower income countries on impact of depression and mental health issues on pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the depression and its effect on maternal outcomes in a rural South Indian tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods. A 9-month prospective observational study was carried out among the pregnant women in a tertiary care facility in south India. The pregnant woman aged 18 years or above were included in the study. The participants with a history of depressive symptoms and not willing to provide the informed consent were excluded from the study. The depression was measured using The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a score of ≤ 13 and > 13 were considered to be no abnormality and possible depression. The effect of various demographics on depression and effect of depression on maternal outcomes is assessed using the chi-square and regression analysis, respectively. A P-value < 0.05 considered to be significant.
Results. A total of 150 patients were included in the study and 48% (n = 72) had the possible depression. The factors such as being obese (p = 0.020), and being a housewife (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with depression. Depression was significantly associated with the gestational diabetes (p = 0.036), but not with gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
Conclusions. Among pregnant women, being obese, and housewife was significantly associated with depression. The depression was significantly associated with gestational diabetes.