The relationship between depression during pregnancy with social support and some demographic variables in pregnant women

Depression during pregnancy is a significant predictor of postpartum depression which is harmful to fetal development. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the most important cause of disability among women worldwide. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the relationship between depression during pregnancy with social support and some demographic variables. This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 208 pregnant women referred to health care centers of Gonabad in 2014. To collect data, demographic questionnaire, Edinburg depression scale, and social support appraisals were used. Data was analyzed with SPSS statistical software (version 21) and correlation coefficient test and linear regression test. The average age was 27/5±5/2 and 30 percent of them were depressed. Generally there was statistically significant inverse relationship between the three sources of social support (friends, family and acquaintances) with depression during pregnancy. According to the results of linear regression test, the variables of social support, economic status and gender of the fetus were the most important predictor variables of depression during pregnancy, respectively (P<0/001). Pregnant women who have high social support are less likely to face with depression during pregnancy. The results can be used in the prevention and treatment of this problem.