Investigation the Relationship between Preterm Delivery and Prevalence of Anxiety, Stress and Depression in Pregnant Women of Dorrod Health Center, Iran in 2010

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Midwifery, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Specialist of Maternal and Child Health, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

4 Ph.D. of Reproductive Health, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 Professor, Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Preterm labor is a serious event in perinatal period, but its prevalence is difference according to the population and social and economic conditions in different countries. Psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression can increase the risk of premature labor with hormonal stimulation. The present study was done to determine the association between preterm labor and anxiety, stress and depression during pregnancy.
Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 300 pregnant women referred to urban health centers of Dorud, Iran in 2010. In this study, the incidence of preterm delivery in both exposed and non-exposed to stress, anxiety and depression were examined. Sampling was stratified. Anxiety, stress and depression scores in pregnant women were measured using gauges Dass21 and classified into five categories. Data were analyzed using statistical SPSS software (version 13), chi-square, relative risk (RR) and logistic regression. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Two groups had significant difference in incidence of preterm birth (p<0.0001). The risk of preterm delivery in those with anxiety, stress and depression was 3.797 times more than normal cases (OR=3.797). The risk factors in preterm labor in those with stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.0001) include number of daily hand washing clothes (p=0.001), number of cooking daily feed (p<0.0001), mothers age (p=0.022), socioeconomic level (p=0.23) and parity (p=0.003).
Conclusion: Incidence of preterm delivery increases in pregnant women who deal with stress, anxiety and depression.
 

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