Objective: To estimate the rates, and severity and define determinants (demographic and obstetric) of depression, anxiety, and stress among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Public Maternity and Children Hospital in Abha City, Southern Saudi Arabia. Women aged 18 years and over were recruited from February 1st to 30th June 2023, into four groups. The first group of pregnant women with GDM, the second of new mothers with GDM, the third of pregnant women without GDM, and the fourth of new mothers without GDM. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.
Results: A total of 248 women were included with a mean age of 32.2 ± 5.8 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 19.4%, 23.8%, and 23%, respectively. Of them, 7.7%, 16.9%, and 8.1% were extremely severe, respectively. Old maternal age, poor education, high gravidity, parity, and experiencing health problems were the most significant predictors of having any mental disorder.
Conclusion: About one in every three women with GDM experienced severe or extremely severe depression. One out of two pregnant women with GDM experienced severe or extremely severe anxiety, and one-fifth experienced the same anxiety levels during their post-partum period. Considering stress, two out of every three women with GDM experienced any level of stress but it was infrequent during their post-partum period.
Key words: Gestational diabetes, psychological well-being, Saudi Arabia.
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