Factors Associated with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Questionnaire Data.

Background/

Objectives

Perinatal depression and anxiety are significant mental health concerns, and pharmacological treatments often pose considerable challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the mental health status of pregnant and postpartum women and identify the factors affecting perinatal depression and anxiety.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 286 pregnant and postpartum women who completed questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Korean Version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (K-EPDS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).

Results

Symptoms of depression and anxiety were prevalent among participants. PHQ-9-positive cases were significantly less frequent in women from nuclear families, and their Pregnancy Stress Scale scores were significantly higher. K-EPDS-positive women had significantly lower rates of wanted pregnancies and marital satisfaction. GAD-7-positive cases showed significantly lower rates of wanted pregnancies, lower levels of social support, and higher Pregnancy Stress Scale scores.

Conclusions

These findings highlight key psychosocial factors associated with perinatal depression and anxiety among pregnant and postpartum women, underscoring the importance of comprehensive mental health assessment during the perinatal period.