# Emotional aspects and associated factors among pregnant teachers in the state education system of Minas Gerais, Brazil

## TL;DR

This study found that over 60% of pregnant teachers in Minas Gerais, Brazil, reported depression or anxiety, with risk factors including age over 36 and family mental health issues.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the mental health of a specific and vulnerable group: pregnant teachers in the Brazilian public education system.

## Key findings

- 64.2% of pregnant teachers reported a history of depression or anxiety.
- Teachers aged 36 or older had a 1.55 times higher prevalence of anxiety/depression.
- Those with family mental health problems had a 2.06 times higher prevalence.

## Abstract

Female teachers are particularly vulnerable to developing depression and
anxiety during pregnancy, and there are substantial research gaps regarding
this specific group.

To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and
depression among pregnant teachers in the state public basic education
system of Minas Gerais.

This was an epidemiological web survey conducted from August 20 to September
11, 2020, using an online questionnaire sent to basic education teachers.
The dependent variable was a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety at any
point in time. The analysis was restricted to data from pregnant teachers.
Pearson’s chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were
applied.

Among the 232 pregnant teachers, 64.2% reported a diagnosis of depression
and/or anxiety at some point. A higher prevalence of anxiety and/or
depression was observed among those aged 36 years or older (prevalence ratio
= 1.55; 95%CI 1.01-2.39) and those reporting mental health problems among
family members (prevalence ratio = 2.06; 95%CI 1.31-3.22).

The prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among pregnant teachers is high
and is associated with being aged 36 years or older and reporting mental
health problems among family members.