Depressive Symptoms in a Sample of Women Following Perinatal Loss

Objective: The aim of the study is to identify variables associated with depressive symptoms among women shortly after perinatal loss. Method: Respondents who agreed to participate in the study were interviewed, and sociodemogrophic data were obtained from them. The Hospital Anxiety-and Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) were thereafter administered on each respondent. Results: Respondents with perinatal loss had. high (ate of depressive symptoms (52% on EDPS), the rate was significantly higher, when compared with the control group (chi(2)= 10.16, P=0.001). Factors significantly associated with depressive symptoms included previous perinatal losses, poor support from husband and occurrence of antenatal complications, Conclusion: Depressive reaction following perinatal loss is very common. Programs need to be designed to help these women cope with. their loss and to reduce subsequent Psychological morbidity.