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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Mood Disorders | Research

Antenatal depression among pregnant mothers in Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study

Authors: Shararah Sarem, Ahmad Neyazi, Abdul Qadim Mohammadi, Mehrab Neyazi, Mozhgan Ahamdi, Nosaibah Razaqi, Sadaf Wali, Shashank Timilsina, Hamida Faizi, Mark D. Griffiths

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Approximately one in five pregnant women experience antenatal depression globally. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of antenatal depression and explore its relationship between various demographic variables, recent sexual engagement, and recent adverse life events among pregnant Afghan women.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was carried out between January, 2023 and April 2023 among 460 women aged 15–45 years who were recruited using convenience sampling from Herat province (Afghanistan). Logistic regression models were utilized to explore the relationship between antenatal depression and socio-demographic characteristics among the participants.

Results

The prevalence of antenatal depression symptoms was 78.5%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that antenatal depression was significantly associated with (i) being aged 30–45 years (AOR: 4.216, 95% CI: 1.868–9.515, p = .001), (ii) being of low economic status (AOR:2.102, 95% CI: 1.051–4.202, p = .036), (iii) not being employed (AOR: 2.445, 95% CI:1.189–5.025, p = .015), (iv) not having had sex during the past seven days (AOR: 2.335, 95% CI: 1.427–3.822, p = .001), and (v) not experiencing a traumatic event during the past month (AOR:0.263, 95% CI: 0.139–0.495, p < .001).

Conclusion

The present study provides insight into the factors associated with the high prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant Afghan women (e.g., demographic variables, recent adverse life events, and recent sexual engagement). It highlights the urgency of addressing antenatal depression in Afghanistan and provides a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of pregnant women in the Afghan context.
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Metadata
Title
Antenatal depression among pregnant mothers in Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study
Authors
Shararah Sarem
Ahmad Neyazi
Abdul Qadim Mohammadi
Mehrab Neyazi
Mozhgan Ahamdi
Nosaibah Razaqi
Sadaf Wali
Shashank Timilsina
Hamida Faizi
Mark D. Griffiths
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06548-2

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