Depression, Anxiety and Social Support in Pregnancy: a pre-intervention exploratory study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to track symptoms of depression, anxiety and perception of social support in pregnancy.

Material and Methods: 90 pregnant women, aged between 18 and 45 (M = 28.62; SD = 7.10), who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, the Anxiety Inventory and the Social Support Perception Scale. To compare the indexes of the scales with the sociodemographic variables, a t-test and ANOVA were performed, as well as a Pearson’s correlations to evaluate the relationship between the scales.

Results: The presence of depressive symptoms (?13 score) was found in 28.9% of the investigated pregnant women, while anxious symptoms (above 40 points) were present in 60%. Statistical significance associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were found in relation to the variables: housing, family income, pregnancy planning, personal history (including previous depression) and family mental disorder. The anxiety symptoms presented significant association with relationship status, health problems and current psychiatric treatment. Pearson’s correlation revealed statistical significance between depression, anxiety and social support.

Conclusion: These data show the importance of screening and the need for measures to prevent and promote maternal health.