Antenatal depression among women of advanced maternal age: Self-esteem and spousal support as predicting factors

This descriptive study identified the predicting factors of antenatal depression in pregnant women of an advanced maternal age. Data from women aged 35 years and older were collected from January to February 2015 through a structured questionnaire addressing self-esteem, spousal support, and prenatal depression. T-tests, chi-square tests, and a multiple linear regression analysis were used to identify the predictors of antenatal depression. The results showed that older pregnant women were more than 13 points (42.2%) above the cut-off point for a diagnosis of antenatal depression. Moreover, women not having birthing experience, having low self-esteem, or receiving low-spousal support were identified as predictive factors. This study revealed the importance of assessing and managing the early recognition and management of older pregnant women with prenatal depression.