Determinants of depressive symptoms among pregnant women attending primary health care centers in a local government area in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Physiological and psychological changes increase the risk of depression in prenatal women. This study aimed to assess the determinants of depressive symptoms (DS) among pregnant women attending public health centers in Ilorin South local government area (LGA), Kwara state. Methods: A cross sectional research design was used for this study and a semi-structured, interview-based questionnaire was used for data collection. DS were categorized into high (≥ 13) and low (<13), social support was categorized into poor (12–24), moderate (25–33), and strong (34–48), depression literacy was categorized as good (≥ 50%) and poor (< 50%). Results: 320 women enrolled in this study with mean age of 33.13 ± 7.23 years. The women showed high depression tendency (91.3%), good literacy (96.9%) and poor social support (77.2%). The participants who were single (OR: 5.717 (1.440–22.691); p = 0.013, or divorced/widowed/separated (OR: 7.803 (2.141–28.44); p = 0.002) were more likely to have higher tendency of DS than married. There was higher DS tendency among women with poor depression literacy (OR: 18.180 (15.135- 25.350); p < 0.001) Limitations: This study was carried out in one LGA in Kwara State. The trimesters of the women used in this study was not documented. Conclusion: This study showed a high level of antenatal depression tendency, depression literacy but a low level of perceived social support among the participants. There is a need for regular mental health education and advocacy for social support to prenatal women to improve depression outcomes.

Keywords

• Determinants
• Depressive symptoms
• Pregnant women
• Primary healthcare centers
• Nigeria