• Brian Maila, Ravi Paul, Sebean Mayimbo, and Kelvin Kabwita.
• School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Zambia, P.O.Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.
• Afr Health Sci. 2022 Dec 1; 22 (4): 334347334-347.

BackgroundAntenatal depression is associated with long-term disability in both mothers and new-borns. Inadequate data and research can constrain resource allocation and exacerbate the condition's symptoms.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and the characteristics associated with it among women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 281 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital was conducted using systematic random sampling. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess participants' depression, and related data were collected using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire.ResultsPrenatal depression was identified in 26.3 percent of pregnant women surveyed (95 CI: 21% -32%), with antenatal depression being significantly more prevalent in women who did not have a satisfactory relationship with their partner/significant other (OR=1.70, 95CI: 1.40-3.10). Unemployment was found to be a risk factor for antenatal depression, with a 1.3 (95 CI:1.04-1.5) fold increased risk compared to employed women.ConclusionDepressive symptoms are common among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in primary care, and unemployment, as well as a lack of relationship satisfaction with the spouse/significant other, increases the risk of depression.© 2022 Maila B et al.

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