Abstract :
Objective: To determine causes and risk factors leading to depression and mood swings among pregnant females
visiting antenatal clinics of teaching hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: 907 pregnant females were
included in study, from antenatal clinics of teaching hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan during January to December
2016. Study follows descriptive, cross-sectional design. Demographic profile was recorded on a questionnaire. The
measurement tool for depression was Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data analysis was done using descriptive
statistics, linear regression and Chi- square test. Results: The women with mean age 26.44.4 were included in
study. 80.5% females had depression during antenatal period. Depression score was calculated in each trimester
and it was 67.9%, 83.5% and 85.8% respectively. There was significant increase in depression as pregnancy
progresses (P value 0.001).The regression analysis showed the risk factors, patient’s education (OR 4.67, 95%
confidence interval, 1.97 to 11.07), husband’s education ( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), husband’s employment(
OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), , family size( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), , History of miscarriages( OR 4.67,
95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), , number of pregnancies ( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07). Conclusion: Depression is quite
common among females during antenatal period, which increases as pregnancy progresses. The risk factors
responsible for it are husband and wife’s education, family size, number of pregnancies, history of abortions,
monthly income and family financial status. Screening and diagnosis of depression and provision of special care to
patient improves the healthy progression of pregnancy.
Key Words: depression, pregnancy, females, causes.
Keyword :
depression, pregnancy, females, causes.