Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Mary L. Gutierrez

Abstract

Antenatal depression, or depression during pregnancy, is a mental health concern in the United States that impacts mothers and their infants. This study examined the associations between psychosocial, obstetric, lifestyle factors, and antenatal depression. This study was guided by social cognitive theory, specifically the reciprocal determinism construct. Secondary data from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) were used in this quantitative cross-sectional study. Every participant of the NHANES completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression screening form. The study sample consisted of 274 women who were pregnant at the time of participating in the NHANES, approximately 28.8% of whom responded to having depression during pregnancy. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data, and results indicated that psychosocial, obstetric, and lifestyle factors were statistically significantly associated with antenatal depression. The results also showed that never being married, having anxiety during pregnancy, having more than three previous pregnancies, having a previous cesarean delivery, not seeking a mental health provider, low-moderate physical activities, poor sleep health, and having poor nutrition were statistically associated with antenatal depression. The results of this study can be used to inform potential mothers and practitioners about antenatal depression and what factors may contribute to antenatal depression. Implications for positive social change include supporting programs and organizations that bring awareness of what antenatal depression is and to reduce its onset.

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