Assessment of Mental Health and Related Factors in Pregnant Women Referred to Health Centers in Estahban, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is the most sensitive period in women's life which makes many mental changes. Unfortunately, physiological rather than mental aspects of these periods are considered more. This study aims to investigate mental health and related factors in pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study has been done on 182 pregnant women referred to health centers of Estahban, Iran in 2015 by Convenience sampling method. Research tools used in this study were General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). Data were analyzed using Regression testing and the P<0.05 was considered significance. Results: Research findings showed that 53.8% of women were psychologically healthy and about 46.2% of them suspected of mental disorders. Also, factors such as “Economic situation”, “Smoking”, “The age of first pregnancy”, “Unwanted pregnancy”, “Physical illness” and “Others satisfaction with pregnancy”, a significant relationship was observed with the mental health of pregnant women(p<0.05). Conclusion: Considering the present findings, informing the women and their family about prevalence of mental illness, the effect of underlying factors and confronting ways with these problems are essential; Also, it is important for therapists to know about these issues in order to help pregnant women.