SP5-34 Detection of antenatal depression and male gender preference in pregnant women in a teaching hospital-a developing nation scenario

Background Maternal depression during pregnancy has been studied less than depression in postpartum period. Prevalence rate has been found to be between 5% and 26% for antenatal depression based on very few studies done. Various psycho-social and endocrine factors have been connected to antenatal depression. Antenatal depression has also been considered to increase the risk for postnatal depression. In India, female feticide and male preference has resulted in decline of child sex ratio (933/1000 males). Aim To identify antenatal depression and male gender preference among pregnant women. Methods This study was done from July to September 2010. A total of 221 subjects were studied covering the sociodemographic, cultural and other risk factors including gender preference. Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used for detection of depression. Results 74% of the women came from rural background. Most of them were illiterate, Hindu (83%), housewives (86%) who lived in joint families (62%) and had family support. Average married life was about 2 years and relationship of 75% of the women was reportedly good with their husbands. 81% of the women did not have a boy. 46% had a preference for a boy. 28% of the women were depressed. Conclusion 28% of women were depressed and 40% of them had male gender preference.