Frequency of Depression among Pregnant Women with Diabetes

A bstract Background: Antenatal depression is a major maternal health concern associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Diabetes during pregnancy may increase psychological stress, although its relationship with depression remains uncertain, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: The objective is to determine the frequency of depression among pregnant women with diabetes and identify associated sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric, and psychosocial factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 422 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2025 to December 2025. Both diabetic and nondiabetic pregnant women aged 18–45 years were included in this study. Depression was diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria after a psychiatric evaluation. Data regarding sociodemographic, obstetric, clinical, and psychosocial variables were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 23. Associations were assessed using chi-square and t tests, followed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: The overall frequency of depression was 11.1%, while depression among diabetic pregnant women was 9.43%. Diabetes status, glycemic control, treatment modality, body mass index, age, education, and income showed no significant association with depression ( P > 0.05). Significant associations were observed with the relationship with husband ( P = 0.004), in-laws ( P = 0.001), parents ( P = 0.002), siblings ( P = 0.037), and unplanned pregnancy ( P = 0.043). Gestational diabetes mellitus risk factors were also significantly associated with depression ( P = 0.029). Poor marital relationship showed a strong trend toward depression after adjustment (adjusted odds ratio = 5.39, P = 0.071). Conclusion: Psychosocial determinants, particularly family relationships and unplanned pregnancy, were more strongly associated with antenatal depression than diabetes-related clinical factors.