Prevalence and Predictors of Depression Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Moshi, Tanzania: a Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Antenatal depression in low-and middle-income countries is under-diagnosed and leads to poorer outcomes in the pregnancy and postpartum periods. The aim of this study was to quantify depressive symptoms among pregnant women in Moshi, Tanzania, and identify factors associated with probable depression.

Methods: Between March and December 2019, we enrolled 1039 pregnant women attending their first antenatal care appointment at two government health facilities to complete an audio computer-assisted self-interview. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a score > 13 indicating probable depression. A log-binomial regression model was used to identify factors associated with probable antenatal depression.

Results: A total of 11.5% (119/1033) met criteria for probable depression. Depression was more common among women who were not married (16.5% vs. 7.9%, PrR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0, 2.1) and women who reported a lifetime history of violence (22.6% vs. 5.3%, PrR = 3.3, 95% CI 2.2, 5.0). Depression was less common among women who reported more partner-specific support (PrR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87, 0.96).

Conclusions: Screening pregnant women for depressive symptoms is an essential component of evidence-based maternity care and should be accompanied by appropriate support and resources. Women who are not married, have limited support from a partner, or have experienced violence are especially vulnerable to depressive symptomatology during pregnancy.