A Study of Depressive Features and Perceived Social Support in patients with Miscarriage

Abstract

Background: In developing world, the number of women undergoing miscarriage has increased. Women facing miscarriage are susceptible to develop depression and the risk is more if the perceived social support is low or not adequate. This study was conducted to assess the presence of depressive features and perceived social support and to correlate between the two entities in patients with miscarriage. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, single interview study conducted in 100 consecutive patients with miscarriage in current pregnancy admitted in obstetrics and gynecology ward of a tertiary care center. After ethics committee approval and written informed consent, each patient was individually interviewed using a semi structured proforma. To assess depressive features, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and to evaluate perceived social support-Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were administered. Data was analyzed statistically. Results: The mean age of the participant was 28.5 years (3.9), all of them were married, majority of them being housewives, with primary/secondary level of education and from rural area. On assessment with PHQ9, the prevalence of depression was 32%. Among them 17 % had mild depression, 12% had moderate depression, and 3% had severe depression. Women with advancing age, lower education level, unemployment, previous miscarriage, miscarriage following treatment for infertility had significant depression. The perceived social support in the form of family and friends was significantly less in depressed patients. Conclusion: Miscarriage is a significant stressful event in a women's life. These women should be evaluated for depressive symptoms and carers should be psycho-educated regarding need of social support following miscarriage. Early diagnosis and management of depression will help in reducing further morbidity and will improve the quality of life of these patients.

Anxiety, Depression, Hopelessness and Perceived Social Support Levels of Women with and without Threatened Miscarriage

“…27 In women with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, the perceived social support level decreases and thus they become more hopeless. 28,29 Similarly, in the present study, in both groups, hopelessness levels increased and perceived social support levels decreased as depression and anxiety levels increased. In a study conducted by Zu et al, it was found that depressive symptoms were 2.7 times more in women with TM and 48.8% of women with TM were at high risk for anxiety.…”

“…Social support is very important for pregnant women who are at risk of abortion to cope effectively with this stress. 29 The mean MSPSS scores the participants with TM were lower than those of the participants without TM. Social support gives people a sense of being loved and cared, and provides a respectable and moral bond between people.…”

Psychological problem areas of pregnant women diagnosed with abortus imminens as a result of assisted reproductive techniques: A comparative study

“…Social support not only helps individuals to accept and confront the situation they are in but also allows them to receive help from others, especially in difficult times. For this reason, having social support is very important for pregnant women with TM so that they can cope effectively with the stress they are experiencing 11 . In our study, it was determined that the level of perceived social support was lower in women with TM compared to those without TM, and that as the level of perceived social support increased, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness scores decreased.…”

“…Social support, including spousal support, is a protective factor against mental health issues such as antenatal anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in pregnant women with TM 9 . However, high levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in women who are at risk of abortion during pregnancy may also reduce their perceived social support 10,11 . Strong perceived social support is important in reducing and preventing these problems 11 …”

“…However, high levels of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness in women who are at risk of abortion during pregnancy may also reduce their perceived social support 10,11 . Strong perceived social support is important in reducing and preventing these problems 11 …”