The prevalence of suicide ideation and predictive factors among pregnant women in the third trimester

Abstract

Background Pregnancy is a period for women undergo major physical and psychological changes. Suicide is a cause of maternal death and suicidal ideation is a key factor in suicidal behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation in the third trimester and associated predictors including psychological factors such as attachment. Methods A cross-sectional study included 432 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy was conducted in a tertiary hospital. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess prenatal depression and suicidal ideation. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Experience of Close Relationship (ECR) scale were used to assess anxiety and attachment respectively. Results The results showed that the EPDS scale screened 6.71% of pregnant women with suicidal ideation. Compared with those without suicidal ideation, pregnant women with suicidal ideation had a higher prevalence of insecure attachment, higher scores on the two dimensions of attachment (attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety), and higher prevalence of prenatal depression and anxiety. Binary logistic regression showed that marital satisfaction was a protective factor for suicidal ideation, while prenatal depression, prenatal anxiety and attachment anxiety were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Conclusions The suicidal ideation among pregnant women was high, which should be given more attention. In the process of preventing and intervening suicidal ideation, in addition to the emotional state of pregnant women, their psychological factors such as attachment anxiety should also be considered.

Association between gut microbiota and its functional metabolites with prenatal depression in women

“…Recently, the prevalence of prenatal depression was reported to range from 19.1% to 40.6% ( Sulley et al, 2023 ; Zhang et al, 2020 ). Previous studies indicated that prenatal depression is associated with adverse outcomes such as postnatal depression, preeclampsia, and suicide risk ( Lutsiv et al, 2015 ; Roomruangwong et al, 2018a ; Zhang et al, 2022 ), as well as increasing risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental delay in infants and children ( Accortt et al, 2015 ; Faleschini et al, 2019 ; Jarde et al, 2016 ; Rogers et al, 2020 ). Therefore, understanding the influencing factors and potential pathogenesis of prenatal depression is conducive to the prevention and intervention of prenatal depression, ultimately promoting maternal and child health.…”

Suicidal ideation and behavior among perinatal women and their association with sleep disturbances, medical conditions, and known risk factors

“…The study was conducted among 432 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The results indicated that women who reported SI were also characterized by an insecure attachment style, as well as attachment avoidance and anxiety ( 58 ).…”

“…Thirty-six studies of 26,035 participants reported present or past psychopathology as a risk factor for suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Most studies, reported that present or past depression ( 21 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 40 – 42 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 53 – 67 ), anxiety ( 34 , 38 , 45 , 48 , 53 , 58 , 63 ), and past suicidality ( 45 – 48 , 53 , 54 ) are significant risk factors for suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While two referred to psychiatric comorbidity as a significant risk factor ( 22 , 68 ), two studies referred to family psychopathology as such a factor ( 47 , 68 ).…”

Effectiveness of Digital Guided Self-help Mindfulness Training During Pregnancy on Maternal Psychological Distress and Infant Neuropsychological Development: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…An EPDS score of 9 is recommended for screening for depression in postpartum Chinese women [ 28 ] and has been widely used among pregnant women in China [ 19 , 31 ]. A score of ≥1 on the EPDS item-10 (“I have thought of hurting myself”) indicates the presence of suicide ideation [ 32 , 33 ]. The GAD-7 contains 7 items rated from 0 to 3.…”