Depression in the perinatal period : awareness and knowledge of expectant parents

Abstract

Depression is a major concern especially during the perinatal period. Research regarding antenatal depression is still scarce, thus it is inadequately detected and treated. The current study aims to address the area of perinatal depression and the awareness and knowledge expectant parents hold regarding this. A quantitative research method was opted for and one hundred participants were recruited through the Gynaecology Outpatients and Antenatal Clinic. Results shows that expectant parents lack awareness of antenatal depression. Parent preparatory sessions showed to play an important role in increasing such awareness. This research suggests the exigency of increasing awareness on perinatal mental health with particular focus on perinatal depression in order to increase detection and treatment.