Health-Related Quality of Life Among Pregnant Women With and Without Depression in Hubei, China

The role of prenatal depression on physical and mental health among women in mainland China has not been previously investigated.
The aim of this research was to (a) calculate the prevalence of depression during pregnancy, (b) explore the relationship
between depression sample characteristics and quality of life and (c) identify predictors of physical and mental health among
pregnant women. This study was designed as a cross-sectional and exploratory survey. A total of 454 pregnant women participated
in the study between December 2009 and June 2010 in central China. The data was collected using the Medical Outcomes Study
short form 36 v2 and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Participants were recruited at outpatient departments of obstetrics
and gynecology. Findings show that almost 40% of pregnant women experience prenatal depression. Depression was significantly
associated with physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Depression, increased age, higher gestational
age, being employed and married were significant predictors of lower physical HRQoL. Depression, lower BMI and having an unintended
pregnancy were significant predictors of lower mental HRQoL. Prenatal depression is very common in women from mainland China.
Depressed women suffer from impaired physical and mental health; prenatal depression has a negative impact on women’s HRQoL.
We recommend that antenatal services integrate screening for depression into routine antenatal care.