Associated factors of depression in pregnant women in Korea based on the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: Various individual and social factors influence depression in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and health status on depression of pregnant women in Korea. Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey conducted from August to October 2019. The data of 1,096 pregnant women between the ages of 19 and 55 years were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-test and chi-square tests, and multiple regression.Results: The mean score of prenatal depression was 2.35 points out of 0 to 27 points. Low income (B=0.69, p<.001), low-education level (B=0.70, p<.001), skipping breakfast (B=0.34, p=.001), less than 8 hours of sleeping (B=0.26, p=.009), binge drinking during pregnancy (B=0.46, p=.001), and stress (B=1.89, p<.001) were significantly associated with increased depression scores. In contrast, depression scores significantly decreased as subjective health status (B=–0.59, p<.001) and subjective oral health status (B=–.17, p=.003) increased.Conclusion: Findings support the need for healthcare policies and clinical screening to alleviate prenatal depression, especially for pregnant women with low socioeconomic status, poor health behavior, poor health status, and high stress.

The impact of body mass index on the pregnancy outcomes and risk of perinatal depression: Findings from a multicenter Italian study

“…Suggestively, a lower level of education may have a role in both depressive and weight-gain outcomes. For instance, Kim et al [34] reported that the mean score of depression measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) [35] during pregnancy was associated with low education level as well as decreased with subjective health status (all p < 0.001). Conversely, Banite et al [36] have shown that employed women presented a lower level of PD whereas a higher level of education was positively associated with a higher risk of depression.…”

Prevalence and associated factors of prenatal depression in pregnant Korean women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

“…Improving behaviors related to pregnancy healthcare can serve as an effective strategy for reducing prenatal depression. The frequency of breakfast consumption, sleep duration, and drinking habits all have an impact on prenatal depression; thus, a diet rich in vitamins and increased physical activity are recommended during pregnancy [9]. Even amidst a pandemic, participating in online fitness classes can increase physical activity levels, thereby bolstering pregnant women's resilience against prenatal depression.…”