Perinatal Post-Natural Disaster Depression Screening Among Pregnant Women in West Sumatra, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/ijbb.2025.v03i01.002Abstract
Indonesia is located in a region prone to natural disasters. Natural disasters not only have physical and environmental impacts but also affect the psychological well-being of victims. Exposure to traumatic stress caused by natural disasters can exacerbate depressive symptoms, both during and after pregnancy. Approximately 6.5 – 20% of perinatal depression worldwide can contribute to postpartum depression. Up to 50% of perinatal depression cases go undiagnosed due to social stigma and the lack of mental health integration in antenatal care. This study aims to determine the occurrence of perinatal depression among pregnant women after a disaster using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This study used an observational design with a cross-sectional approach and was conducted from October to December 2024 in West Sumatra. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study sample consisted of 23 pregnant women who were victims of natural disasters. The results of the study showed that 44% of pregnant women in West Sumatra were at moderate risk of experiencing perinatal depression due to natural disasters, with the most common risk factors found in the 20-35 age group (74%), high school education level (48%), occupational status as a housewife (79%), family income below Regional Minimal Wage/RMW (70%), multiparity (61%), gestational age 14-27 weeks (52%), and have no history of miscarriage (78%). This study reflected the importance of integrating perinatal depression screening into antenatal care for pregnant women in disaster-prone areas.
Keywords:
depression, perinatal, screening, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, post-natural disasterReferences
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