Depression among pregnant teenagers receiving antenatal care from primary healthcare facilities in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda

A total of 373 participants were recruited; median age was 19 (IQR: 18-19) years, 59% attained primary level education. The prevalence of depression was 35.9% (95% CI: 31.1% to 41.0%). Factors significantly associated with depression were current alcohol use (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.18 - 3.32, p = 0.010), and food insecurity (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.25 - 4.01, p = 0.006). Factors that reduced the odds of depression included resilience (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91 - 0.97, p = 0.001) and family social support (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88 - 0.99, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In this study the prevalence of depression among pregnant teenagers was significantly high. Mental health services should be integrated in the antenatal care clinics to address the mental health needs of pregnant teenagers. We recommend further studies to explore the lived experiences focusing on the challenges and further understanding of their coping strategies and other possible confounders of depression. In addition, longitudinal studies should be conducted to establish the temporal relationships between the different factors related to depression to support intervention studies that promote the mental health of young mothers.