Tobacco smoking and depression during pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and depression in pregnant women and to identify associated factors. Method: This was a cross-sectional study including 1,264 pregnant women assisted by the public health service in the municipality of Pelotas, Brazil. Depression was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Cigarette consumption was assessed using open questions. Poisson regression was used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of depression during pregnancy was 21.2%; 19.3% of the depressed women were smokers. Women who smoked during pregnancy showed a 1.72-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.27-2.34) higher probability of being depressed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a positive relationship between cigarette smoking and depression symptoms in pregnant women. Copyright © Revista de Psiquiatria do Rio Grande do Sul - APRS.