Prevalence and Correlates of Prenatal Depression, Anxiety and Suicidal Behaviours in the Volta Region of Ghana

Nuworza Kugbey, Martin Ayanore, Phidelia Doegah, Masauso Chirwa, Susan A. Bartels, Colleen M. Davison and Eva Purkey
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Nuworza Kugbey: Department of General Studies, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya PMB, Ghana
Martin Ayanore: Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
Phidelia Doegah: Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
Masauso Chirwa: Department of Social Work and Sociology, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
Susan A. Bartels: Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Colleen M. Davison: Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Eva Purkey: Department of Family Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3G2, Canada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-13

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. Therefore, 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 fourteen ( 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.

Keywords: pregnancy; depression; anxiety; suicidal behaviors; Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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