TITLE:  MENTAL HEALTH OF A PREGNANT POPULATION (MHAPP): SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF ANTENATAL DEPRESSION

 

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION:

The antenatal period involves profound physical, physiological and psychological adjustments that significantly impact maternal mental health, particularly in resource-limited settings with a disproportionately higher burden. Antenatal depression is a critical risk factor for postnatal depression1, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, pre-term birth, and foetal growth restriction.2

In rural Bangladesh, where access to healthcare is limited and socioeconomic vulnerabilities are prevailing, the prevalence of antenatal depression ranges from 18-56%,3,4 significantly exceeding the global prevalence of 10-20%.2 Anticipated risk factors include poverty, limited education, gender-based violence, and lack of social support. Despite the significant effect of antenatal depression on maternal and neonatal health, it remains underexplored, with much of the focus in current literature centred on postnatal depression.