Anxiety, Depression and Mental Health Outcome Associated with Unintended Pregnancy in Prince Abubakar Audu University Community Anyigba

Abstract

Unintended pregnancy is a major challenge in developing countries and it has various health risk outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the rate of depression, anxiety and mental stress that is associated with unintended pregnancy. This study employed a descriptive cross sectional design of about 155 women, the study was conducted in Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State. Data was collected by using structured questionnaires. The result shows that Unintended pregnancy is frequently tied to increase risks of depression, anxiety and mental stress for women with effects influenced by social, economic relational factors like increased number of children, complications in previous pregnancy, and concern about newborn care, previous social support from partners, stressful event during pregnancy, lack of medical care, increased financial responsibility and fear of death. In this study there is severity of mental stress, average depression and anxiety associated with unintended pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy is a significant risk factor for maternal depression, anxiety and mental stress, with effects shaped by social, economical and relational contexts. Intervention that promotes economic, partner and family support can mitigate adverse outcomes.