Mental Health Problems among Pregnant Pakistani Women: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a physiologically and emotionally demanding period that increases vulnerability to mental health disturbances, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress. Globally, substantial evidence highlights the prevalence of these conditions among pregnant women; however, research within the Pakistani context remains limited. Sociocultural constraints, poor awareness, and lack of access to mental health resources further compound this issue, emphasizing the need for localized data to inform public health interventions and improve maternal psychological well-being.

Objective: To examine the relationship between depression, anxiety, and stress among pregnant Pakistani women aged 18 years and above.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational research design was adopted. Using snowball sampling, data were collected from 208 pregnant women who met inclusion criteria of being at least 18 years old and possessing a minimum intermediate education level. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), a validated psychometric tool. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and subgroup analysis were conducted using SPSS version 29. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and written informed consent was secured from all participants.

Results: The mean age of participants was 37.84 years (SD = 9.62). Significant positive correlations were found between depression and anxiety (r = 0.43, p < .01), depression and stress (r = 0.28, p < .01), and anxiety and stress (r = 0.54, p < .01). Severity distribution showed that 32 participants had moderate depression, 71 moderate anxiety, and 20 moderate stress, while 19 participants reported severe anxiety. Subgroup analysis revealed higher mean psychological scores among women in the first trimester.

Conclusion: This study confirms a significant interrelationship between depression, anxiety, and stress among pregnant Pakistani women. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally tailored mental health interventions, awareness campaigns, and policy-level support to enhance maternal well-being and public health outcomes.