Negative life events and maternal mental illness: A study of elite pregnant women in Accra metropolis
Date
2023
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences
Abstract
The vulnerability of maternal mental illness (MMI) such as anxiety and depression among childbearing women is
heightened during the periods of pregnancy mainly because of negative life events (NLEs). However, a major
caveat in the literature relates to the overwhelming focus on women from disadvantaged socioeconomic back ground. Little is known about NLEs and MMI among women with relatively better socioeconomic background
and high educational status, termed in this study as elite pregnant women. The study investigates the prevalence
of NLEs and MMI (i.e., depression and anxiety) as well as the relationship between NLEs and MMI among elite
pregnant women. A cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from 210 respondents recruited from
three purposively selected health facilities in Greater Accra metropolis, namely Nyaho Medical Centre, Pentecost
Hospital and Abokobi Health Centre. Self-report measures of NLEs, depression and anxiety were administered to
the respondent. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, namely Pearson
correlation and hierarchical linear regression. The study revealed that majority (n = 136, 64.8 %) of the re spondents experienced at least particular NLEs and rated these events as stressful. The prevalence of symptoms of
anxiety and depression were 42.4 % and 51.0 %, respectively. NLEs significantly and positively correlated with
symptoms of anxiety but not with depression. Elite pregnant women are at risk of NLEs which can significantly
influence their mental health. It is recommended that midwives and other health professionals pay attention to
the NLEs of elite pregnant women for necessary support and intervention
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Maternal mental illness, Negative live events, Coping, Ghana, Africa