Social Determinants and Prevalence of Antenatal Depression among Women in Rural Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nafisa Insan (), Simon Forrest, Aqil Jaigirdar, Reduanul Islam and Judith Rankin
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Nafisa Insan: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Simon Forrest: Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham DH1 3HN, UK
Aqil Jaigirdar: Maternal Aid Association, London SE1 4QG, UK
Reduanul Islam: Maternal Aid Association, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
Judith Rankin: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: The prevalence of antenatal depression in Bangladesh ranges from 18 to 33%. Antenatal depression has negative impacts on the mother and child such as suicidal ideations, low birth weight, and impaired fetal development. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and social determinants of antenatal depression in rural Sylhet, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 235 pregnant women between March and November 2021. The validated Bangla Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure antenatal depressive symptoms (ADS). Background information was collected using a structured questionnaire including the Duke Social Support and Stress Scale, pregnancy choices, and WHO Intimate Partner Violence questions. Point-prevalence of antenatal depression was 56%. Intimate partner violence (IPV) before pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 10.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7–39.7]) and perceived husband’s male gender preference (AOR 9.9 [95% CI 1.6–59.6]) were significantly associated with increased odds of ADS among pregnant women. Increased family support was a significant protective factor for ADS (AOR 0.94 [95% CI 0.91–0.97]). Antenatal depression commonly occurs in rural Sylhet, Bangladesh, highlighting the need for improved screening and management within these settings. The findings suggest the need for community-based interventions for women with low family support and experiencing intimate partner violence, and educational programs and gender policies to tackle gender inequalities.

Keywords: perinatal mental health; antenatal depression; Bangladesh; prevalence; social determinants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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