Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,
2 Department of Health Education and Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Mental health issues including depression and anxiety are common
in pregnancy worldwide. This study aimed to identify factors associated with mental disorders in a
sample of Iranian pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among pregnant women
referred to a prenatal‑care clinic in an urban area, Isfahan, Iran. The questionnaires in this study
included the General Health Questionnaire and additional structured questionnaires exploring
sociodemographic, obstetric, and economic risk factors and empowerment for decision‑making
regarding pregnancy, parenting, financial authority, trust, and confidence in health‑care staff.
Regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of the number of variables on the likelihood
of the presence of mental health problems.
RESULTS: Overall, 54.2% and 11.7% of the women had anxiety and depression, respectively. No
statistically significant associations were reported between anxiety and depression and obstetric
characteristics such as gestational age, parity, abortion, previous infertility, unwanted pregnancy,
and the screening test results . According to the logistic regression analysis, the predictors of
depression and anxiety were acknowledging psychological changes in pregnancy and empowerment
for decision‑making regarding pregnancy and parenting and financial authority (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: probably, women’s empowerment on becoming aware of psychological changes
during pregnancy and making decisions on pregnancy, parenting, and financial authority is the factor
affecting the mental health of pregnant women.
Keywords
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