Depression and influencing factors among pregnant women living in central Viet Nam: A mixed-methods study

Problem considered: Antenatal depression can create social and economic pressures for families and communities. Pregnant women with antenatal depression may struggle to maintain employment, manage household responsibilities, and provide a stable environment for the fetus. Assessing the prevalence of antenatal depression and its influencing factors provides necessary information to develop support programs for pregnant women and their families. Methods: A mixed-method study design was employed. Quantitative information assessed signs of depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale among 312 pregnant women residing in Da Nang City. Qualitative information was gathered through in-depth interviews with 8 participants, including representatives of healthcare managers and staff, and focus group discussions with pregnant women exhibiting and not exhibiting signs of depression. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression, while qualitative data were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results: The study found 28.2 % prevalence of antenatal depression. Qualitative analysis revealed positive influencing factors including: marital status (married/living with partner), planned pregnancy, support from husband's family, good relationship with husband, and having social support; Negative influencing factors included: advanced maternal age, low educational attainment, previous pregnancy complications, fetal abnormalities, having two or more children, poor relationship with mother-in-law, preference for male offspring within the family, experiencing mental and physical violence from the husband, and the support from service providers is inadequate. Conclusions: Depression symptoms are prevalent among pregnant women, so it's important for healthcare professionals to understand the risk factors for depression in pregnant women.