Factors Associated with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Questionnaire Data

TL;DR

This study explores factors linked to depression and anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women using questionnaire data.

Contribution

The study identifies psychosocial factors associated with perinatal depression and anxiety using cross-sectional survey data.

Findings

Depression symptoms were less frequent in women from nuclear families but had higher pregnancy stress scores.

Anxiety symptoms were linked to lower social support and unwanted pregnancies.

Lower marital satisfaction was associated with higher depression scores in postpartum women.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Perinatal depression and anxiety are significant mental health concerns, and pharmacological treatments often pose considerable challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the mental health status of pregnant and postpartum women and identify the factors affecting perinatal depression and anxiety. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 286 pregnant and postpartum women who completed questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Korean Version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (K-EPDS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Results: Symptoms of depression and anxiety were prevalent among participants. PHQ-9-positive cases were significantly less frequent in women from nuclear families, and their Pregnancy Stress Scale scores were significantly higher. K-EPDS-positive women had significantly lower rates of wanted pregnancies and marital satisfaction. GAD-7-positive cases showed significantly lower rates of wanted pregnancies, lower levels of social support, and higher Pregnancy Stress Scale scores. Conclusions: These findings highlight key psychosocial factors associated with perinatal depression and anxiety among pregnant and postpartum women, underscoring the importance of comprehensive mental health assessment during the perinatal period.