Antenatal depression, substance dependency and social support

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of depr ession and factors associated with depressive mood among pregnant women. Me thod: 391 women who were 14-37 weeks pregnant were evaluated with the Edinb urgh Postnatal Depression Screen (EPDS), which has also been validated for prenatal use. Four questionnaires were used in order to explore associated factors: a questionnaire on background and pregnancy data, the Substance Ab use Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) and two Social Support Questionnaire s (SSQ1 and 2). Results: 7.7% of the total sample screened positive on the EPDS with a cut-off point of 12/13 recommended. Substance dependency and ex perienced difficulties in social environment had an independently significa nt association with maternal depression. Limitation: The caseness was defin ed with a self-report instrument. Conclusion: Substance dependency and expe rienced difficulties, especially in relation to friends. partner and own mo ther, are associated with antenatal depression. It is important to be aware of this when developing interventions in maternity care primary units. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.