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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7, Canada)

  • Colleen M. Davison

    (Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
    Department of Global Development Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada)

  • Eva Purkey

    (Department of Family Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3G2, Canada)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nuworza Kugbey & Martin Ayanore & Phidelia Doegah & Masauso Chirwa & Susan A. Bartels & Colleen M. Davison & Eva Purkey, 2021. "Prevalence and Correlates of Prenatal Depression, Anxiety and Suicidal Behaviours in the Volta Region of Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5857-:d:565258
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Omotayo Bernard & Roger C Gibson & Affette McCaw-Binns & Jody Reece & Charlene Coore-Desai & Sydonnie Shakespeare-Pellington & Maureen Samms-Vaughan, 2018. "Antenatal depressive symptoms in Jamaica associated with limited perceived partner and other social support: A cross-sectional study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(3), pages 1-19, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandra Fremah Asare & Maria F. Rodriguez-Muñoz, 2022. "Understanding Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge on Perinatal Depression among Women in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-17, November.

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