Prevalence of Anxiety Among Antenatal Women in An Urban Area of Belagavi

Abstract

Background: A woman is highly vulnerable to anxiety and stress during her pregnancy causing negative effect in somatic and psychological forms like Intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight and pre-term birth in child. Maternal anxiety not only leads to adverse effect on pregnancy outcome but also decreases maternal competence in childcare. Aims/Objectives: Determine the prevalence of antenatal anxiety among women attending Ashok Nagar UHC and identify the associated risk factors. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done for 3 months in 320 antenatal women attending antenatal clinic at Ashok Nagar UHC. Data collection was done using a pre designed and pre tested questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of antenatal anxiety was 31.2%. Among them 30% had mild to moderate anxiety and only 1.2% had severe anxiety. Prevalence of anxiety was higher in younger women and with lower literacy status. Conclusion: Antenatal anxiety is of major public health importance but its effect on mother is not considered to be a serious issue in the society. There is a need for regular antenatal screening, assessment and treatment of antenatal anxiety.