A Study on Pregnancy, Perceived Stress and Depression

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy can be a difficult period during which psychosocial and hormonal changes may lead to increased incidence of mental health problems such as stress, depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders.

Objective: a. To describe the clinical and socio-demographic profile, b. to explore the level of stress and c. to assess the depression among the pregnant women.

Methods: It was a hospital based study using convenient and purposive sampling where only pregnant women were selected for study in 1 year. Instruments used were: the Perceived Stress Scale(Sheldon Cohen), Social Readjustment Scale (Holmes and Rahe) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (David Goldberg).

Results: About 2/3rd of pregnant women were from age range 15-25 years, 49% were housewives and all literate. Patients were mainly from Sunsari and Morang districts. About 28% patients were mild to moderately stressed. About 50% patients were on 50% zone of possibility of sickness on the Social Readjustment Rating Scale. About 50% patients were mild to moderately depressed.

Conclusion: One third of pregnant women were mild to moderately stressed. Nearly half number of the clients were mild to moderately depressed and were in moderate to severe range at > 50% risk for developing sickness.