A comparison of depressive scores amongst newly diagnosed HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women using the Edinburgh Depression Scale.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
Objective
Prevalence rates of HIV infection in KwaZulu-Natal are high, with a significant amount of those infected being women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of HIV infection has been associated with an increased risk for the development of depression. Antenatal depression is a serious health concern, as it has the potential to cause wide-reaching adverse consequences for both mother and unborn child. Thus the objective of this study is to compare depressive scores between newly diagnosed HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women in KwaZulu-Natal to elucidate any association between a new diagnosis of HIV infection and the development of antenatal depression.
Methods
102 newly HIV tested Black African pregnant women were recruited from antenatal clinics at two regional hospitals; further stratified into two cohorts based on HIV status (HIV-infected: n=40; HIV-uninfected: n=62). Women’s sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded, before being assessed for depression using an IsiZulu version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale.
Results
Of the sample, 9.8% suffered from depression. Prevalence rates of antenatal depression did not differ significantly between the HIV-infected and uninfected cohorts (p=0.79). A diagnosis of HIV infection (p<0.0001) and maternal age (p=0.03) are risk factors for antenatal depression. Unemployment (p=0.09) is a borderline risk factor for the development of antenatal depression.
Conclusion
Prevalence rates of depression are low in our sample. A new diagnosis of HIV infection in pregnancy places women at an increased risk for the development of antenatal depression. Younger age and unemployed status may also influence depression.
Description
Master of Medical Science in Obstetrics and gyneacology. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban, 2016.