DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY AMONG THAI TEENAGERS ATTENDING THE ANTENATAL CARE UNIT AT SONGKHLA HOSPITAL

Abstract

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the number of pregnant teenage mothers has been increasing around the world. In Thai society, this problem occurs primarily among teenagers whose families are experiencing social problems. As a result, these teens often suffer from a shortage of educational opportunities (Intronprasert & Thaneepanitskun, 1998). To seek an awareness of depression during pregnancy among teenagers would be a challenging process to many.

Aim:

-          To assess depression levels during pregnancy in Thai teenagers.

-          To compare depression levels between planned and unplanned pregnancies.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Data was collected at an antenatal care unit from March to April 2012. The sample included pregnant Thai teenagers aged 15 to 19 years. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

Results: Of the 93 participants, 7.5 percent were classified as clinically depressed during pregnancy (CES-D ≥ 23); 39 percent as mildly depressed (CES-D 16-22); and 54 percent as not depressed (CES-D ≤ 15). It was found that pregnant teenagers who were planning a pregnancy were less depressed compared to pregnant teenagers who did not plan their pregnancy (p < .05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that depression during pregnancy was a major problem in this group of Thai teenagers. Therefore, identifying and assessing interventions to reduce depression are essential in promoting mental health and preventing depressive symptoms.