DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN PREGNANCY ONLY FREQUENCY AND ASSOCIATION AMONG WIVES OF DEPLOYED MILITARY SOLDIERS

Depressive Symptoms in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and association of depressive symptoms during pregnancy among wives of deployed Military soldiers.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Kharian from Oct 2013 to Dec 2013.

Material and Methods: The sample population comprised of pregnant ladies who were wives of deployed military soldiers reporting for ante natal checkup at Combined Military Hospital Kharian. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to record the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. Age, gestation, parity, planned or unplanned pregnancy, education, level of family income, tobacco smoking, Family history of depression, Infertility treatments, previous pregnancy loss or complications, partner support and history of abuse or trauma were associated with depressive symptoms.

Results: Out of 188, 41.5% had no depressive symptoms, 25.5% had mild, 20.2% had moderate and 12.8% had severe depressive symptoms. Advancing age, family history of psychiatric Illness, partner abuse, low family income and education, lack of partner support, smoking, increasing parity and gestation age are all significantly related to presence of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: This study showed a high frequency of depressive symptoms among wives of military soldiers during pregnancy. Special attention should be paid in elderly, multiparous and less educated ladies. Partner should avoid abuse and provide good support especially as the pregnancy advances.