Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Pregnant Women Attended in Primary Healthcare

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms in pregnant women attended in primary healthcare. Method: this is an epidemiological, cross-sectional and analytical study conducted in Montes Claros, in the north of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variable (depressive symptoms) and independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics, social support, obstetric characteristics, sexuality and health conditions) were collected through a questionnaire and validated scales. The collection took place between October 2018 and November 2019. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple analyzes were performed through multinomial logistics regression. Results: a sample of 1,279 pregnant women was evaluated. The estimated prevalence of moderate and serious depressive symptoms was 16.2% and 25.2%, respectively. Low social support (p<0.001), low sexual performance (p = 0.002) and a high level of perceived stress (p<0.001) were factors associated with moderate depressive symptoms. First gestational trimester (p = 0.006), low social support (p<0.001), low sexual performance (p<0.001) and a high level of perceived stress (p<0.001) were factors associated with serious depressive symptoms. Conclusion: the prevalence of moderate and serious depressive symptoms in pregnant women attended in primary healthcare was considerable. Factors related to social support, gestational quarter (first quarter), sexuality and perceived stress showed association with these symptoms. Caution and the promotion of mental health is necessary for pregnant women in this scenario.