Exposure to Violence, Stressful Life Events and Antenatal Depression Among Pregnant Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Abstract Background: Mental health conditions contribute to a significant proportion of global burden of disease during adolescence and are the leading causes of disability in young people. This study examines the association of antenatal depression with stressful life events and perceived social support among pregnant adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Accra Metropolitan area. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among 336 pregnant AGYW (aged 15–24) in their third trimester. Participants were screened for antenatal depression using the patient health questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9). Bivariate chi-square analysis and covariates-adjusted logistic regression were used to determine associations. Results: The mean age of study participants was 20.9 years. Prevalence of antenatal depression was 30.5% among pregnant AGYW. Participants had increased probabilities of reporting antenatal depression if they had ever experienced any type of intimate partner violence (IPV) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–5.94, p=0.024), lost a parent, child or spouse (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.19–3.38, p=0.009), broke off a steady relationship (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.45–4.35, p=0.001), or lost a job (aOR 4.92, 95% CI 1.11–21.77, p=0.036). Social support from a significant other was associated with a decreased probability of antenatal depression (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24–0.92, p=0.028). Conclusion: Findings underscore a negative association between exposure to IPV, specific stressful life events, and antenatal depression. Clinical attention to pregnant AGYW exposed to violence and other stressful life events is recommended for early detection and treatment.