Obstetric complications, stressful life events, violence and depression during pregnancy in adolescents at primary care setting

Abstract

Background: Depression is a common psychiatric disorder among pregnant adolescents and it is associated with several risk factors. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression in pregnant adolescents. Methods: Sectional data were collected among 120 pregnant adolescents attending in a basic health unit in Rio de Janeiro. The following research instruments were used: the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to diagnose depression, the Stressful Life Events to assess stressful life events, the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) to screening violence against woman during pregnancy. Results: The prevalence of gestational depression was 14.2% (CI 95% 8.7-21.9) and associated factors were: history of depression before pregnancy, bleeding and hospitalization during pregnancy, history of accidents and catastrophes, and emotional or physical abuse during their life. Discussion: These results suggest that screening of risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of depression should be provided in the antenatal care of pregnant adolescents.