Abstract:
Abstract Background: Despite the high prevalence of depression and its known associated factors antenatal depression remains a low priority in research and health care practice in most of developing countries like Ethiopia. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among pregnant women following antenatal care in Shashemene town health facilities. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1- 30, 2013, among 660 pregnant women following antenatal care. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit, from six public and private health facilities in Shashemene town, based on proportional allocation to their size. The data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire/ using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the analysis were made using SPSS version 20. The chi-square test and Binary and Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictors. Results: The prevalence of antenatal depression in this study was 25.6 % (95%CI: 22.0, 28.8). Those unmarried (single, widowed and divorced) pregnant women were 3 times more likely to have depression than their counter parts[AOR 95% CI: 3.15(1.34, 7.38)] and also those pregnant women who hadn’t negative obstetric history (miscarriage) less likely to have depressive symptom [AOR 95%CI: 0.77(0.35, 0.97)].The odds of mothers having a total household monthly income of above 1000 Eth. birr are less likely to experience depressive symptoms than those earning below 500 Eth. birr [AOR 95%CI: 0.20(0.10, 0.38)] . Marital status and history of a previous miscarriage were associated with increased odds of antenatal depression: while other factors like family monthly income, intent of pregnancy, conflict with husband and lack of support from husband and family member during pregnancy, and history of any form of intimate partner violence are associated with antenatal depression. Conclusion: This study showed the prevalence of depression was common among antenatal following pregnant women. There are also factors contributing for this occurrence like marital status, previous history of miscarriage and low family income. Thus, any public health intervention designed to promote mental health should take in to account about socio economic status, prevention of unwanted pregnancy and also the role of male involvement
