Frequency of Depression in Patients with Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of depression among pregnant women presenting with gestational diabetes at a tertiary care Hospital.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the Military Hospital Rawalpindi, during a period of six months, from July 2017 to December 2017. All of the women with singleton pregnancy, gestational age from 24 to 28 weeks, parity 0–4, and gestational diabetes were included, while hypertension and diabetes were excluded. Basic demographics (age, parity, gestational age, weight, and height) were recorded. For HDRS scores, all women were interviewed. Depression was recorded (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score >10 on two occasions) by the researcher. Data was noted on an especially designed proforma.

Results: A total of 181 women were enrolled, their mean age was 29.143±3.37 years, the average gestational age was 26.016±1.24 weeks; the mean parity was 1.331±1.35, mean weight was 70.149±12.92 Kg, mean height was 1.544±.09 meters; and the mean BMI was 29.471±5.04 Kg/m2. Most of the cases were in 26-35 years age group (84.5%). The family history of diabetes was 48.6%. Depression was seen in 17.7% of patients. The occurrence of depression was statistically insignificant according to age, gestational age, family history of diabetes, educational level, occupation, residential area, and BMI (p=>0.05), while statistically significant according to parity (p=<0.05)

Conclusion: In conclusion, it is revealed that the depression observed to be high. Women having gestational diabetes must undergo depression screenings, be directed to the proper social services and psychological support, and the mental health professionals, involvement as per requirement.