The prevalence and predictors of depression in a sample of pregnant women seeking antenatal care in Baghdad, Iraq

Antenatal depression is a public health concern, impacting maternal and fetal health. We aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with antenatal depression in Baghdad, Iraq. In total, 850 pregnant women attending outpatient clinics at the Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital and three private clinics were screened for depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Depression prevalence was 29.8%, identified associated risk factors in descending order were: unwanted pregnancy, poor marital relationship, intimate partner violence, income dissatisfaction, severe fear of childbirth, and inadequate social support. Routine antenatal depression screening may help identify mothers for targeted interventions, optimizing care and outcomes.