Prevalence and correlates of prenatal depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviurs in the volta region of Ghana

Abstract

Pregnancy is associated with several physical and psychosocial challenges that influence women’s health and wellbeing. However, prenatal mental health has received little attention. There-fore, this study examined the prevalence and correlates of prenatal depression, anxiety and current suicidal behaviors among pregnant women in the Volta Region of Ghana. Two hundred and four-teen (n = 214) pregnant women recruited from two hospitals responded to the hospital depression and anxiety scale (HADS), the insomnia severity index, and a set of psycho-behavioral, socioenvironmental and demographic characteristic questions. Chi-squared, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. Prevalence of prenatal depression, anxiety and current suicidal behaviors was 50.5%, 35.5% and 3.3%, respectively. After controlling for other variables, average monthly income, insomnia, non-nutritious food consumption (pica), and body image satisfaction were significantly associated with depression. Marital status, insomnia, lifetime suicidal behavior and partner support were significantly associated with anxiety. Current partner abuse was the only factor significantly associated with current suicidal behavior. The high prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among pregnant women and intimate partner violence remain important maternal health issues in the region. Therefore, brief mental health screening and counseling services should be integrated into prenatal healthcare services.