SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SELF HARM DURING PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1750Keywords:
Prinatal, suicidal ideation, Self-harm, Somestic violenceAbstract
Background: Pregnancy can sometimes give way to darker emotions, as the complex interplay of hormonal, psychological, and social factors increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviours. This study aims to determine the frequency of suicidal ideation, self-harm and factors contributing it among pregnant females presenting for antenatal care. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, and DG Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan, from May 2023 to Nov 2023 after taking approval from Ethical Review Board. Data was collected from 160 responders at 12–36 weeks of gestation after informed consent. Pregnant women with severe medical complications that may require immediate care and women who present an immediate risk of self-harm or suicide were excluded. Data was analysed on SPSS-22. Results: Total 16 out of 160 had thought of self-harming. Frequency of suicidal ideation was 10%. The 10th question of Edinburg Post-natal Depression Score (EPDS) ‘The thoughts of harming myself’ was answered as ‘never’ by 75.63%, ‘hardly ever’ by 6.25%’ ‘sometimes’ by 8.13% and ‘yes, quite sometimes’ by 10%. Conclusion: Women who are depressed and had some form of domestic violence are at greater risk of having suicidal ideation. Attention should be given to establish mental health programs for pregnant women.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(1):72-4, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1750
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sadia Nazir, Amna Aziz, Abdul Rehman Qaisrani, Summaira Perveen, Yumna Afzal, Aqsa Farooq
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