The impact of depression at preconception on pregnancy planning and unmet need for contraception in the first postpartum year: a cohort study from rural Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The impact of depression on women's use of contraception and degree of pregnancy planning in low-income settings has been poorly researched. Our study aims to explore if symptoms of depression at preconception are associated with unplanned pregnancy and nonuse of contraception at the point of conception and in the postpartum period.

Methods

Population-based cohort of 4244 pregnant women in rural Malawi were recruited in 2013 and were followed up at 28 days, 6 months and 12 months postpartum. Women were asked about symptoms of depression in the year before pregnancy and assessed for depression symptoms at antenatal interview using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, degree of pregnancy planning using the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy and use of contracepti

SUBMITTER: Catalao R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9972717 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature