Prevalence of anxiety disorder in women of third trimester pregnancy – A cross-sectional descriptive study

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is a period of significant physiological and psychological changes. Anxiety disorders during pregnancy are common and associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, yet they often remain underdiagnosed. The third trimester is a particularly vulnerable period for the development of anxiety. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorder among women in the third trimester of pregnancy and to identify associated sociodemographic and obstetric factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 pregnant women in their third trimester attending a tertiary care hospital. Sociodemographic and obstetric information was collected using a structured proforma. Anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, with a score ≥10 indicating clinically significant anxiety. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and associations between anxiety and variables were assessed using Chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 26.4 ± 4.2 years. The prevalence of clinically significant anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10) was 30%. Anxiety was significantly associated with primigravida status, unplanned pregnancy, inadequate spousal support, and previous adverse obstetric outcomes (p<0.05). No significant associations were found with maternal age, education, or occupation. CONCLUSION: Anxiety disorder is prevalent among women in the third trimester of pregnancy, particularly among first-time mothers and those with unplanned pregnancies. Routine mental health screening and timely interventions should be integrated into antenatal care to improve maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes.