Psychosocial Correlates of Stress and Depressive Symptoms During Pregnancy: A Community Based Study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is known as the crucial period for women as well as her family. It is a stage where women undergoes several biological changes and have to face various psychosocial issues. Perinatal depression is much more serious than the “baby blues” of relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery that many women experience after giving birth but some pregnant women suffer from stress and depression due to various psychosocial factors. Aim: To assess the psychosocial factors contributing for stress and depression among the pregnant women Materials and Method: Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 30 pregnant women from the second and third trimester with their informed consent. The tools used for the present study was a semi-structured questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Perceived Stress Scale. Results: It shows significant differences in level of depression and stress among pregnant women. Stress and depression are correlated in a positive way. Conclusion: Various psychosocial factors like lack of emotional support from husband and in-laws, poverty, unplanned pregnancy, unfavorable environmental conditions in the house, etc are the risk factor which can trigger stress and depression among the pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when women become vulnerable to stress and depression. That is why depression and stress during pregnancy should not be ignored. Depression occurs due to hormonal change in the body but psychosocial factors can also trigger stress and depression.