Antenatal depression and male gender preference in Asian women in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of antenatal depression among Asian women living in the UK in one antenatal clinic, and to investigate the possible association with a desire for a male child and other risk factors.

DESIGN: cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

SETTING: general antenatal clinic in a hospital in Birmingham.

PARTICIPANTS: 300 Asian women, irrespective of place of birth.

METHODS: consecutive Asian women attending routine antenatal appointments during the study period self-completed a questionnaire. The first part investigated socio-demographic, cultural and other possible risk factors, including gender preference. The second part comprised the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

MEASUREMENTS: EPDS score greater than or equal to 12 indicating probable depression.

FINDINGS: the prevalence of depression was 30.7% (92/300, 95% confidence interval 25.4-35.9%). Maternal male gender preference was not common and was not associated with antenatal depression. Family male gender preference, unplanned pregnancy, a history of depression and feeling anxious in pregnancy were independently associated with an increased likelihood of depression, whilst support from family and friends, being satisfied with pregnancy and being multiparous were associated with a reduced likelihood of depression.

CONCLUSION: rates of antenatal depression were very high in Asian women with some associated risk factors. However, male gender preference was not associated with antenatal depression.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: given the high prevalence, screening Asian women for depression may be indicated to allow treatment.