Predisposing, Enabling, and Reinforcing Factors and Depression among Pregnant Women in a North-Eastern Province of Thailand

Abstract

Depression is globally prevalent and above 25% of women experience antenatal depression. Several factors have been associated with depression among pregnant women, but few research about prevalence and related factors has been carried out in Thailand. This study was aimed to investigate factors related to depression among pregnant women in a north-eastern province of Thailand. There were 112 pregnant women from hospitals in a north-eastern province in Thailand were selected using cluster randomization. The depression screening tool created by the Ministry of Public Health was used (i.e., 2-question tool). Socio-demographic, predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors were measured in relation to depression. Descriptive statistics were performed and inferential statistics (i.e., Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests) were used at a 0.05 significant level. About 18% of participants aged less than 20 years old, and most of participants were married and lived with their husband. About one-third of participants had education less than high school, and had no work during pregnancy. The majority of participants had a high level of knowledge, of attitude, and low level of perception about their mental health during pregnancy. They had high levels of support from family and husband, from colleagues, and from healthcare professionals. The prevalence of depression among pregnant women was 17.8%. Predisposing (i.e., attitude towards mental health during pregnancy) and reinforcing factors (i.e., support from family and friends, and from colleagues) were related to depression among participants (p<.05), whereas no enabling factors were related to antenatal depression. Attitude adjustment and prevention of depression among pregnant women need consideration, and support of women during pregnancy could enhance mental health well-being. Constructing mental health intervention towards pregnant women and their family members is recommended.