Perinatal anxiety and depression and birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder: prevalence and determinants in a cohort of portuguese women

Background:
Perinatal anxiety, depression, and birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are important Public Health problems. Comorbidity of these disorders may occur, with preventable short and long-term burden for women, children and families. The post COVID-19 pandemic period represents an opportunity for the collection of updated and empirical data, and for fostering screening and follow-up practices on perinatal mental health.
Objectives:
The aims of this study are to assess (a) the prevalence and determinants of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression during the perinatal period and birth-related PTSD; (b) the prevalence and determinants of comorbid profiles.
Design and methods:
This longitudinal study, starting in 2023, expects to recruit 321 women and assess them during the third pregnancy trimester and at 2, 5, and 12 months postpartum. Sociodemographic, psychological and obstetric/gynecologic data will be collected. Perinatal anxiety and depression symptoms will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), respectively, and birth-related PTSD will be measured using the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS). Prevalence data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and potential determinants of anxiety, depression, and birth-related PTSD will be determined using logistic regressions.
Conclusion:
We expect this study to provide updated data on the (a) prevalence and determinants of anxiety, depression and birth-related PTSD; (b) comorbidity of symptoms of anxiety, depression and birth-related PTSD. Ultimately, the results can inform evidence-based decisions to improve perinatal mental healthcare policies and investments in mental health-friendly public policies.