Background: Antepartum depression is a nonpsychotic depressive episode of mild to moderate severity that presents during pregnancy. In Tanzania, antepartum depression has been reported to be prevalent by 40%, and 10% worldwide. It has been evidenced that antepartum depression is a growing concern in the society at it not only affects the mother, but also the child the father, leading to poor mental and physical health as well as poor interpersonal relationships.
Objective: This study determine the prevalence and risk factors for antepartum depression among women attending antenatal clinical at Bugando Medical centre.
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bugando medical centre where by a total of 380 women enrolled in the study. The sample size was collected by non-probability sampling where by Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) was used for data collection and collected data was analyzed by using the SPSS version 20. Chi square was used to analyze the statistical association and the p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Ethical Clearance was obtained from the Joint CUHAS/BMC Research and ethics committee.
Results: A total of 380 respondents participated in the study. The prevalence of depression among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at BMC was found to be 15%. Depression was found to be more likely in people who are unmarried, those in polygamous marriage, without support and in those who experience partner violence.
Conclusion: Depression has been shown to be more likely in women who are unmarried those in polygamous marriage, those with no family support and those experiencing partner violence.
Recommendation: Maternal mental health should be included amongst markers of safe pregnancy and delivery, also emphasis should be on the importance of early screening and detection of those are at risk, as well as early intervention towards reduction of the burden of morbidity and essential disability to both mother and child