Validity of stress scale for predicting depression in pregnant adolescents, Thailand

Abstract

© 2018 Japan Health Sciences University & Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation. Purpose: The objective of this research was to investigate whether the Stress Scale can predict depression after delivery in adolescent pregnancy. Methods: this cross-sectional research design was conducted during the third trimester of pregnancy and the samples being randomly selected from five regions of Thailand (n = 200). Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire at the baseline with the Stress Scale for depression in third trimester and at the 4th week after childbirth. ROC Curve and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: this study revealed that the prevalence rate of depression in adolescent mothers was 16.5% (33 out of 200), and the Stress Scale had cut point score at ≥ 5.5 with sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 79%, and the area under curve was.84 (p < 0.001). The Stress Scale gained scores for cut point at ≥ 5.5; only 5 items showed capability to predict depression after delivery. Conclusion: This Stress Scale shows potential advantage for health personnel in early detection of depression in adolescent mothers at cut point scores of only 5.5 from 15.