Mulalo Salane, Kebogile Mokwena

Antenatal Depression and Its Risk Factors Among Public Clinic Attendees

Introduction

Antenatal depression and its risk factors among public clinic attendees. Explore antenatal depression prevalence (46%) and risk factors like unemployment, relationship issues, and lack of support among pregnant women in South Africa. Highlights need for routine screening in primary healthcare.

Abstract

Antenatal depression is a common yet underdiagnosed mental health issue with serious implications for maternal and child well-being. While its prevalence is well-documented globally, limited research exists on its burden and contributing factors within primary health care settings in rural South Africa. The purpose of this study was to screen for symptoms of antenatal depression and explore associated factors among clinic attendees in primary health care facilities in the Capricorn Health District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-10 (EPDS-10) was used to screen for symptoms of antenatal depression, and a quantitative questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. The ages of the sample ranged from 18 to 44 years, with a mean age of 28 years. The greatest proportion, 46% (n = 186), were single, and the majority were unemployed, 67% (n = 270), with 53.25% (n = 243) having completed high school. Almost half, 47.25% (n = 189), had not planned their pregnancy. The prevalence of antenatal depression symptoms was high, at 46% (n = 184). Factors associated with antenatal depression symptoms included being unemployed, having a previous diagnosis of postnatal depression (PND), dissatisfaction with the relationship with one’s partner, and lack of financial, social, and emotional support from the partner, as well as experiencing severe stress in the previous six weeks. The results highlight the need for routine antenatal screening for depression in primary health care facilities, where the majority of pregnant women access prenatal care.

Review

This study addresses a crucial yet often overlooked public health issue: antenatal depression in rural primary healthcare settings. The authors clearly articulate the significance of antenatal depression for maternal and child well-being and identify a notable gap in research concerning its burden and specific risk factors within primary care facilities in rural South Africa. The stated purpose—to screen for symptoms and explore associated factors among clinic attendees—is clear, relevant, and timely, providing valuable insights into a population segment that is often underrepresented in mental health research. The focus on public clinics, where the majority of pregnant women access care, further enhances the practical relevance of this investigation. Methodologically, the study employed the well-validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-10 (EPDS-10) for symptom screening, complemented by a quantitative questionnaire for socio-demographic data. The sample characteristics, including a relatively young mean age, high proportions of single and unemployed women, and many unplanned pregnancies, paint a compelling picture of the socio-economic context influencing maternal mental health in this region. The findings are striking, revealing a high prevalence of antenatal depression symptoms at 46%. Importantly, the study identified several actionable associated factors, such as unemployment, a history of postnatal depression, relationship dissatisfaction, lack of partner support (financial, social, emotional), and recent severe stress. These identified factors are particularly valuable as they point towards specific areas for targeted intervention and support. The findings from this study carry significant implications for policy and clinical practice, particularly its strong recommendation for routine antenatal depression screening in primary healthcare facilities. Given the high prevalence and identified risk factors, integrating mental health screening into routine antenatal care is imperative for early detection and intervention, which could mitigate adverse outcomes for both mother and child. While the abstract does not detail the study's design (e.g., cross-sectional vs. longitudinal), the identified associations provide a robust foundation for future research, including the development and evaluation of culturally appropriate interventions addressing relationship dynamics, socio-economic support, and stress management in this vulnerable population. Overall, this study makes a vital contribution to understanding antenatal depression in a low-resource setting.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.