Risk factors of mental health disorder among Chinese women in the third trimester of pregnancy

Mental health disorder is the leading cause of disease burden in women worldwide. Pregnant women with mental disorder are especially at risk of having offspring with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate risk factors of mental health disorder among Chinese pregnant women in the third trimester. A total of 462 pregnant women in their third trimester completed interviews at three hospitals in Shandong Province, China from July to December, 2010. The Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) was used to evaluate mental health disorder, and was defined as total score ≥160, or scores of any symptom dimensions ≥3, or total of positive symptoms ≥43. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the risk factors of mental health disorder, and to adjust for covariates. The total score and scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, and phobic anxiety were higher than corresponding national norm by SCL-90-R assessment (all p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed family income, relationship with parents-in-law, concerns about child's health, fear of delivery, and pregnancy complications were negatively associated with mental health disorder (all p<0.05). More specifically, relationship with parents-in-law, fear of delivery, preference on mode of delivery (Caesarean section), and body image concerns were positively associated with anxiety (all p<0.05); Fear of delivery was positively associated with depression (p=0.023). Family income, relationship with parents-in-law, concern about child's health, fear of delivery, and pregnancy complications were identified as potential risk factors of mental health disorder in this Chinese pregnant women population. Strategies to reduce mental health disorder are needed among Chinese pregnant women.