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Abstract
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Background
Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder during pregnancy and it is associated with psychosocial and clinical obstetric factors. Despite being an important Public Health issue, there are few studies about this subject in Brazil.
Aim
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for depression during pregnancy.
Method
A Cross-sectional study of 331 pregnant women attending a public primary health service over a one-year period in Rio de Janeiro. Participants were interviewed about their socio-demographic status, obstetric/medical conditions, life events and violence during pregnancy. Depression was assessed through the Composite International Development Interview.
Results
The 12-month prevalence of depression was 14.2% (CI 95% 10.7 - 18.5) and associated factors were: previous history of depression and any psychiatric treatment, unplanned pregnancy, serious physical illness and casual jobs.
Conclusion
These data emphasize the need for screening for depression and its risk factors during pregnancy in settings where care is available. Psychosocial interventions and social policies need to be implemented in this population |