Date of Award

10-13-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MSc in Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Rafat Jan

Second Advisor

Dr. Ambreen Tharani

Third Advisor

Ms. Sumia Andleeb Abbasi

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Antenatal depression is a major global mental health challenge with detrimental impacts on both mother and fetus. In countries with limited resources like Pakistan, depression rates are very high, yet there is a lack of research particularly in rural settings. Thus, identifying the prevalence and factors linked to antenatal depression in this setting is crucial for timely management and preventing complications.
Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the rate of depression and identify its contributing factors among pregnant women in Garamchashma Valley, Chitral, Pakistan.
Method: An analytical cross-sectional design was used. A total of 155 pregnant women were recruited from the Aga Khan Health Centres, Garamchashma, using a consecutive sampling method. Depression was assessed using the Khowar translated Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Moreover, a Khowar translated questionnaire was used to find out the potential factors of depression. The data were analysed by SPSS version 22 through descriptive and inferential statistics techniques. The associations were analysed using the Chi-square test.
Finding(s): In this study 34.2% (PHQ-9, cut-off ≥ 10) and 40% (EPDS, cut-off ≥ 10) of pregnant women had depression. Significantly higher depression rates were observed among women with grand multigravidity (p = 0.002), a history of previous baby loss (p < 0.05), unplanned pregnancy (p = 0.030), fear of labour (p < 0.01), male child preference (p = 0.001), domestic violence (p < 0.001), dissatisfaction with in-laws (p< 0.001), and occupational status (p = 0.048).
Conclusion: This study found that at least one third of pregnant women in the Garamchashma Valley suffer from depression. The findings highlight the immediate need to integrate mental health screening into routine obstetric care for early detection of depressive symptoms and timely intervention.

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1

Last Page

134

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