Anxiety And Depressive Symptom Experiences In The Perinatal Period: Samples Of Two Different Countries

Abstract

Background Perinatal mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, affect approximately 20% of women during pregnancy or within the first year after birth, with rates up to twice as high in developing countries. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and their associated factors among perinatal women in Diyarbakır, Türkiye (TR), and Accra, Ghana (GH). Methods This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,021 (TR: 437; GH: 584) perinatal women between 25.06.2024 and 15.09.2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Sociodemographic Form, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which is now described as a validated and standardized questionnaire used for data collection. Frequency tables and descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, Independent T-test, One-Way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Multiple linear regression were used to analyse the data. Results Anxiety levels were 6.46 (3.86) for women living in Turkey and 5.22 (3.73) for women living in Ghana, with a statistically significantly higher score for women living in Diyarbakir, Turkey (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.34). 26.6% of women living in Diyarbakir, Turkey, and 15.8% of women living in Accra, Ghana received Borderline Abnormal anxiety scores (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.142). When depression scores were examined, they were 6.68 (3.69) for women living in Diyarbakir, Turkey, and 7.25 (3.34) for women living in Accra, Ghana, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.012, Effect size = 0.16). Pregnancy planning, week of pregnancy, social support, and regular follow-up during pregnancy were found to be predictors of anxiety. The model determined that country of residence, economic status, satisfaction with baby gender, and social support were significant predictors of depression. Conclusion Women in the perinatal period in Diyarbakir and Accra exhibit symptoms of both anxiety and depression. These findings underscore the importance of early identification and timely intervention, as well as the development of public health strategies to improve maternal well-being and overall quality of life throughout the perinatal period.