Comparison of factors related to anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnant and non-pregnant women

The period of pregnancy is a time when women experience physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes. Researchs show that depression and anxiety are common during pregnancy. Increased depressive symptoms and anxiety levels during pregnancy are risk factors for both the mother and the newborn and can predict postpartum depression and anxiety. Being aware of the factors that affect depression and anxiety during pregnancy increases the chance of intervention, which is important for the well-being of the mother and the baby. This study aims to compare the levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms in pregnant women aged 18-45 who applied to a private healthcare institution with pregnant women of similar age range and demographic characteristics, and to examine the demographic characteristics associated with anxiety and depression levels. In this context, a total of 110 voluntary participants, including 50 pregnant women in the experiment group and 60 non-pregnant women in the control group, completed the questionnaire consisting of a Demographic Information Form, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS 22. The results of the analysis conducted through independent samples t-test indicated that the scores obtained by pregnant women from the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory were significantly higher compared to non-pregnant women (p<0.05). The results of one-way analysis of variance revealed that anxiety scores of pregnant women differed according to income level groups (p<0.05).