Depressive and anxiety symptoms, their predictors, and pregnancy outcomes among Omani pregnant women: a prospective cohort study
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Al Sinani, Moahammed
Al-Adawi, Samir
Al Maqbali, Mohammed
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: Maternal depression during pregnancy is a major global health concern that affects both mothers and infants. However, limited studies have examined maternal depression across pregnancy stages in Arabic-speaking populations, where fertility rates are high.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms during the early (8-12 weeks) and later stages (24-28 weeks) of pregnancy and their effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes among Omani women.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Methods: A prospective cohort design was used, involving 302 pregnant Omani women receiving antenatal care at Al Buraimi Hospital. Eligible participants were aged 18–45 years, between 8–12 weeks of gestation and expected to continue care at the same clinic. Depression and anxiety were measured at both stages using the Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the EPDS-3A subscale. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were used to examine associations between anxiety, depression, and pregnancy outcomes. Multiple regression analyses controlled for maternal age, marital status, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, and household income.
Results: High levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified, particularly as pregnancy advanced. Among 302 pregnant Omani women, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29.8% and anxiety symptoms was 24.8% in early pregnancy. Women with elevated EPDS scores had higher risks of caesarean delivery, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Elevated anxiety was associated with greater maternal distress and poorer neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health screening into routine antenatal care in Oman. Early identification and management of depression and anxiety may reduce adverse outcomes for mothers and infants. Further research should investigate barriers to mental health services for pregnant women and the long-term developmental effects of antenatal depression on children.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms during the early (8-12 weeks) and later stages (24-28 weeks) of pregnancy and their effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes among Omani women.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Methods: A prospective cohort design was used, involving 302 pregnant Omani women receiving antenatal care at Al Buraimi Hospital. Eligible participants were aged 18–45 years, between 8–12 weeks of gestation and expected to continue care at the same clinic. Depression and anxiety were measured at both stages using the Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the EPDS-3A subscale. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were used to examine associations between anxiety, depression, and pregnancy outcomes. Multiple regression analyses controlled for maternal age, marital status, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, and household income.
Results: High levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified, particularly as pregnancy advanced. Among 302 pregnant Omani women, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29.8% and anxiety symptoms was 24.8% in early pregnancy. Women with elevated EPDS scores had higher risks of caesarean delivery, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Elevated anxiety was associated with greater maternal distress and poorer neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health screening into routine antenatal care in Oman. Early identification and management of depression and anxiety may reduce adverse outcomes for mothers and infants. Further research should investigate barriers to mental health services for pregnant women and the long-term developmental effects of antenatal depression on children.
Date Acceptance
2026-07-24
Citation
Women's Health
ISSN
1745-5057
Publisher
SAGE Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Women's Health
Copyright Statement
Subject to copyright. This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
Publication Status
Accepted