STUDY ON THE RATE OF DEPRESSION AMONG WOMEN DURING EARLY PREGNANCY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Depression during early pregnancy is a critical but under-researched public health concern in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression among women in their first trimester (<13 weeks gestation) attending the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. Employing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 136 participants using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results revealed that 14% of participants were diagnosed with depression during early pregnancy. The prevalence was notably higher among housewives (p = 0.04), women exposed to domestic violence (p = 0.02), and those from high-income households (p = 0.01). While comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes showed no significant association, socio-economic pressures, cultural norms, and lack of emotional support were identified as major contributors. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated mental health interventions within prenatal care programs, particularly for socially isolated and abused women. Addressing prenatal depression in Pakistan’s low-resource settings is vital for improving both maternal well-being and neonatal outcomes.