Common mental disorders and depressive symptoms in pregnant women

Abstract

Perinatal mental health has implications for both the mother and child, such as increased rates of depression and difficulties with self-care and bonding with the newborn, as well as for the rest of the family and even society. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of common mental disorders and depressive symptoms among pregnant women receiving primary care and investigate associated factors. Methods: A quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 52 pregnant women between July and September 2023 in six primary care units in a municipality in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Sociodemographic, family, and obstetric characteristics were assessed. The presence of common mental disorders and depressive symptoms was investigated using validated instruments: the Self-Reporting Questionnaire and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. Data were analyzed using frequencies and association tests. Results: The prevalence of common mental disorders was 63.5%, and 13.5% of the women exhibited symptoms indicative of depressive disorder. Among the factors investigated, family conflicts and white skin color were significantly associated with the presence of common mental disorders. No significant associations were found between the occurrence of depressive symptoms and the other variables studied. Conclusion: The prevalence of conditions suggestive of common mental disorders was high among the pregnant women assessed and was associated with sociodemographic and family factors. These findings demonstrate the need for mental health monitoring and promotion strategies in prenatal care provided by primary care services.