A comparison of depressive scores amongst newly diagnosed HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women using the Edinburgh Depression Scale.

Master of Medical Science in Obstetrics and gyneacology. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban, 2016.Objective Prevalence rates of HIV infection in KwaZulu-Natal are high, with a significant amount of those infected being women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of HIV infection has been associated with an increased risk for the development of depression. Antenatal depression is a serious health concern, as it has the potential to cause wide-reaching adverse consequences for both mother and unborn child. Thus the objective of this study is to compare depressive scores between newly diagnosed HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women in KwaZulu-Natal to elucidate any association between a new diagnosis of HIV infection and the development of antenatal depression. Methods 102 newly HIV tested Black African pregnant women were recruited from antenatal clinics at two regional hospitals; further stratified into two cohorts based on HIV status (HIV-infected: n=40; HIV-uninfected: n=62). Women’s sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded, before being assessed for depression using an IsiZulu version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Results Of the sample, 9.8% suffered from depression. Prevalence rates of antenatal depression did not differ significantly between the HIV-infected and uninfected cohorts (p=0.79). A diagnosis of HIV infection (p<0.0001) and maternal age (p=0.03) are risk factors for antenatal depression. Unemployment (p=0.09) is a borderline risk factor for the development of antenatal depression. Conclusion Prevalence rates of depression are low in our sample. A new diagnosis of HIV infection in pregnancy places women at an increased risk for the development of antenatal depression. Younger age and unemployed status may also influence depression

Depressive scores in newly diagnosed HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women

Background: Prevalence rates of HIV infection in KwaZulu-Natal are high, with a significant amount of those infected being women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of HIV infection has been associated with an increased risk for the development of depression. Antenatal depression is a serious health concern, having the potential to cause wide-reaching adverse consequences for mother and unborn child. Aim: To compare depressive scores between newly diagnosed HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women. Setting: Antenatal clinics at two regional hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based analysis of 102 newly HIV-tested black African pregnant women (HIV infected: n = 40; HIV uninfected: n = 62) was conducted. Women’s socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded, before being assessed for depressive symptomology using an isiZulu version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Results: About 9.8% of women suffered from significant depressive symptoms, irrespective of HIV status. Prevalence rates of antenatal depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected cohorts (p = 0.79). A new diagnosis of HIV infection (p < 0.0001) and maternal age (p = 0.03) were risk factors for antenatal depression. Unemployment was a borderline risk factor (p = 0.09) for the development of antenatal depression. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of depressive symptoms were low. Knowledge of a new diagnosis of HIV infection at the first antenatal visit places women at an increased risk for the development of depression during pregnancy. Younger age and unemployment influence depression. This study provides an important step in documenting the need for screening for antenatal depression in HIV-associated pregnancies in a South African population group