Prenatal depression among pregnant women attending public health facilities in Babile district, Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Depression during pregnancy is a significant health concern that can lead to a variety of short and long-term complications for mothers. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information available on the prevalence and predictors of prenatal depression in rural eastern Ethiopia. This study assessed prenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women attending public health facilities in the Babile district, Eastern Ethiopia. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 pregnant women attending Babile District Public Health Facilities from November 1 to December 30, 2021. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with prenatal depression. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to report the association, and the significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of prenatal depression was 33.1% (95% CI = 28.0%, 38.2%). A lower income (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI = 2.08, 7.13), contraceptive use (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.98), unintended pregnancy (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.27, 3.98), history of depression (AOR = 5.09, 95% CI = 2.77, 9.35), poor social support (AOR = 5.08, 95% CI = 2.15, 11.99), and dissatisfied marriage (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.30, 4.33) were the factors associated with increased prenatal depression among pregnant women. Conclusions: One in every three pregnant women in rural eastern Ethiopia had prenatal depression. Monthly income, contraceptive use, pregnancy intention, history of depression, social support, and marriage satisfaction status were the determinants of prenatal depression. Preventing unintended pregnancies by encouraging women to utilize modern contraceptive methods is essential for mitigating and controlling the risks and burdens of prenatal depression and its negative consequences.