PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SUICIDE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Background: Pregnant women are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB) compared to the general population. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Egypt discussing the prevalence and risk factors of suicide among pregnant women. The study aimed to estimate the frequency of suicide and suicidal ideation and identify the socio-demographic and clinical determinants of suicide and suicidal ideation among pregnant women at Zagagzig University Hospitals.
Methods: A sample of 167 pregnant women received prenatal care at Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient clinic, Zagazig University hospitals. A simple questionnaire was structured for all participants to collect data on socio-demographic data, clinical and obstetric history & exposure interpersonal violence. The psychometric assessment was done which included: Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSS), Zagazig Depression Scale (ZDS), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A).
Results: The prevalence of current suicidal risk (CSR) among pregnant women was 22.2%, this value could be subdivided into suicidal ideation of 20.4% and suicidal attempt of 1.8 %.Women who had anxiety/ depression or had exposed to current partner aggressiveness were significantly more likely to have had current suicide risk (CSR).
Conclusion: Pregnant women at the greatest risk for current suicide risk (CSR) were those who were depressed/anxious or had experienced some form of current partner aggressiveness. With the high prevalence of these conditions, attention should be given to the establishment of adequate mental health treatment programs for pregnant women.
 

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Zagazig University Medical Journal
Volume 25, Issue 2
March 2019
Pages 216-226

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