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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
The prevalence and clinical presentation of antenatal depression in rural South Africa
Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 135, No. 1-3, Year 2011
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Description
Background: Although the prevalence of depression is similar in pregnant, postpartum and non-pregnant women, the onset of new depression is higher during the perinatal period. Women of low-income, and those living in low and middle income countries, are known to be at particularly high risk. Early identification and treatment of antenatal depression may improve pregnancy outcomes and could serve as an early indicator of postnatal depression. Culturally sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools are urgently needed. Methods: A consecutive series of 109 pregnant women were recruited in the third trimester at a primary health clinic, in a rural part of South Africa, with a high HIV prevalence. A cross sectional assessment of depression was completed using a structured clinical interview method and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Qualitative data on women's descriptions of depressive symptoms was also collected. The aim was to examine the prevalence of depression and to better understand the presentation of depressive symptomatology in this population. Results: Prevalence of depression was high, 51/109 (47%), with over half of the depressed women 34/51(67%) reporting episode duration greater than two months. 8/51 reported a prior history of depression. Women used psychological language to describe symptoms and, as a result, standardised diagnostic tools were culturally sensitive. Somatic pregnancy symptoms were frequently reported, but did not overestimate depression. Both HIV positive (27/51) and HIV negative (24/51) women were at risk of being depressed. Limitations: The study is limited by the small sample size and possible attrition biases. Conclusion: Antenatal depression is high and clinical presentation is similar to high income countries. Standardised diagnostic tools are culturally sensitive and adequate for early detection. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Rochat, Tamsen Jean
South Africa, Durban
University of Kwazulu-natal
Mark Tomlinson, Mark
South Africa, Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch University
Bärnighausen, Till Winfried
South Africa, Durban
University of Kwazulu-natal
United States, Boston
Harvard T.h. Chan School of Public Health
Newell, Marie Louise
South Africa, Durban
University of Kwazulu-natal
United Kingdom, London
Ucl Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
Stein, Alan L.
United Kingdom, Oxford
University of Oxford
Statistics
Citations: 175
Authors: 5
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.jad.2011.08.011
ISSN:
01650327
e-ISSN:
15732517
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Mental Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
South Africa
Participants Gender
Female