Mili, Arifa Dewan (2025) Examining the Factors or Aspects Associated with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Among Pregnant Women. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
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Abstract
Background 15–25% of pregnant and postpartum women have perinatal depression and anxiety, which is a serious public health issue with substantial effects on the health of both the mother and the unborn child. The perinatal period is a period of significant psychophysiological change that makes people more susceptible to mental health issues. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to examine the variables related to pregnancy, psychosocial influences, and sociodemographic traits that are linked to perinatal depression and anxiety in pregnant women. Methods Following PRISMA criteria, a systematic literature review was carried out, looking for papers published between 2014 and 2024 in a number of databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David resources. The PEO framework (Population: pregnant women; Exposure: associated risks and variables; Outcome: perinatal depression and anxiety) was employed in the search method. Studies that employed quantitative and qualitative, methods, were published in English, and looked at variables linked to perinatal depression and/or anxiety in expectant mothers were all included. 28 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria after analysing 2,105 records were subjected to data extraction and thorough assessment utilising pre-existing frameworks. The findings were synthesised using thematic analysis in accordance with Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach. Results The research revealed five main themes: (4) external stressors, such as work-related stress, pandemic-related distress, and traumatic life events; (5) pregnancy-related factors, such as unintended pregnancy, obstetric complications, and trimester specific symptom variations; (3) psychosocial variables, including partner relationship dynamics, mental health history, and social support quality; (5) sociodemographic determinants, such as lower educational attainment, joblessness, socioeconomic deprivation, and rural-urban disparities; and (5) predictive patterns demonstrating continuity between antenatal and postpartum symptoms. Throughout all trials, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were the most widely used screening instrument. Conclusion Because perinatal depression and anxiety are complex disorders, they call for all encompassing, culturally aware treatments that consider social, psychological, and biological factors. The results lend support to the implementation of integrated care pathways, trimester-specific monitoring, and universal screening programs using validated instruments. Socioeconomic disparities must be addressed, social support systems must be reinforced, and crisis-resilient services must be developed by healthcare systems. In order to influence evidence-driven practice and policy improvements, future research should concentrate on longitudinal studies, culturally tailored interventions, and economic assessments of screening programs.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety, pregnancy, maternal mental health, risk factors, systematic review |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations |
| Identification Number: | https://doi.org/10.82227/repository.uwtsd.ac.uk.00004076 |
| Depositing User: | Victoria Hankinson |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Jan 2026 15:11 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Jan 2026 15:14 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/4076 |
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