RESUMEN

Background: Non-psychotic mental disorders are common during the perinatal period. In South Africa, there are few studies on antenatal anxiety and these results vary. Antenatal anxiety does not only add to the burden of perinatal co-morbidity but has subsequent immediate and long-term effects on the mother, birth outcomes and her offspring. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in pregnant women during the antenatal period and to determine associated factors. Setting: The study was conducted at an antenatal clinic located in Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Soweto, Johannesburg. Data were collected from March to December 2022. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study in which 200 pregnant women were interviewed. A biographical questionnaire and the generalised anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) were administered. Results: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic was 33%. Participants with anxiety were younger, employed and had lower perceived social support. Women with planned and wanted pregnancies had a lower prevalence of anxiety. Conclusion: One-third of the pregnant women screened positive for anxiety symptoms on the GAD-7. This is significantly higher compared to other studies carried out in the same facility previously. High-risk groups should be screened for anxiety. Contribution: This study prompts further studies and guiding policies on routine screening of pregnant women for anxiety and other mental illnesses during pregnancy.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Screening programmes with referral are a valuable strategy for mitigating consequences of perinatal depression on mothers and their families. The effectiveness of these screening programmes needs to be measured. One potential problem in assessing outcomes is measurement reactivity where the actual measure results in changes in the people being measured. AIM: The aim of this article is to explain the mechanisms and circumstances by which measurement reactivity occurred in a sample of antenatal women who participated in a screening interview. METHODS: Fifty-five women who participated in an antenatal screening interview in their second trimester were re-interviewed in their third trimester. These qualitative interviews were conducted between September 2015 and April 2016. RESULTS: The qualitative data suggested that measurement reactivity occurred through mechanisms such as the disclosure, gaining self-knowledge, validation of experiences, and personal agency which resulted in them seeking out support from others. CONCLUSION: Although the screening interview appeared to improve women's outcomes, this may have occurred through measurement reactivity. This needs to be considered when designing studies that aim to assess the effectiveness of screening with intervention for antenatal depression.

Asunto(s)

Ansiedad/diagnóstico , Depresión/diagnóstico , Madres/psicología , Diagnóstico Prenatal/métodos , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Embarazo , Segundo Trimestre del Embarazo , Investigación Cualitativa , Proyectos de Investigación , Sudáfrica

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: In South Africa, approximately 40% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy. Although perinatal depression and anxiety are significant public health problems impacting maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, no routine mental health screening programmes exist in the country. A practical, accurate screening tool is needed to identify cases in these busy, resource-scarce settings. METHOD: A convenience sample of 145 women between 22 and 28 weeks gestation was recruited from Rahima Moosa Hospital antenatal clinic in Johannesburg. All women completed a biographical interview, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Whooley questions and a structured clinical interview. RESULTS: The results demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the Whooley questions and the EPDS in identifying depression, anxiety and stress disorders of varying severity. The importance of personal, social and cultural context in influencing the content and expression of these common perinatal conditions was also identified. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The validity of the Whooley questions in the context of urban South Africa, and the importance of ensuring clinical interviews to supplement any screening tools, is emphasised.