%0 Journal Article %J Gen Hosp Psychiatry %D 2011 %T Racial differences in the prevalence of antenatal depression. %A Gavin, Amelia R %A Melville, Jennifer L %A Rue, Tessa %A Guo, Yuqing %A Dina, Karen Tabb %A Katon, Wayne J %K Adult %K Depression %K Female %K Health Status Disparities %K Humans %K Logistic Models %K Pregnancy %K Prenatal Care %K Surveys and Questionnaires %K United States %K Young Adult %X

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether there were racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of antenatal depression based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnostic criteria in a community-based sample of pregnant women.

METHOD: Data were drawn from an ongoing registry of pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a university obstetric clinic from January 2004 through March 2010 (N =1997). Logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic, psychiatric, behavioral and clinical characteristics were used to examine racial/ethnic differences in antenatal depression as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Overall, 5.1% of the sample reported antenatal depression. Blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders were at increased risk for antenatal depression compared to non-Hispanic White women. This increased risk of antenatal depression among Blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders remained after adjustment for a variety of risk factors.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest the importance of race/ethnicity as a risk factor for antenatal depression. Prevention and treatment strategies geared toward the mental health needs of Black and Asian/Pacific Islander women are needed to reduce the racial/ethnic disparities in antenatal depression.

%B Gen Hosp Psychiatry %V 33 %P 87-93 %8 2011 Mar-Apr %G eng %N 2 %R 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2010.11.012