Risk Factors and Prevalence of Antenatal Psychiatric Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Underprivileged Urban Setting

Introduction: Antenatal psychiatric symptoms (APS) adversely affect maternal-foetal outcomes, yet risk factors remain under-researched in India’s underprivileged urban communities. Objectives: We assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors of APS in an urban primary care setting. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a government maternity hospital in South India. Women >= 18 years, with gestation < 24 weeks, were screened for APS using Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 and World Health Organisation's Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used for clinical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used for risk factors associated with APS. Results: Prevalence of APS was 13.4%. History of self-harm attempts and spouse being a daily wage labourer were associated with APS. Conclusion: APS is prevalent in urban, underprivileged backgrounds. Mental health screening during pregnancy is vital, especially for those with history of self-harm.