title: Antenatal depression in socially high-risk women in Canada.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Antenatal depression is potentially deleterious to the mother and baby. Canadian Aboriginal women have an increased risk for living in poverty, family violence, and substance use; however, little is known about antenatal depression in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression in socially high-risk, mostly Aboriginal pregnant women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal), in two prenatal outreach programmes were approached and depressive symptoms between the two groups were compared, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty per cent (n = 402) of potential participants were recruited for the study. The prevalence of depression was 29.5% (n = 402). Depression was associated with a history of depression, mood swings, increased stressors, current smoker, and lack of social support. Aboriginal women were more likely to be depressed, but this was not significantly higher than non-Aboriginal women; however, they did experience significantly more self-harm thoughts. Exercise was a significant mediator for depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of antenatal depression confirms rates in other high-risk, ethnic minority groups of women. A previous history of depression and mood problems were associated with depression, thus prenatal care should include a careful mental health assessment. On a positive note, the present study suggests that exercise may mediate antenatal depression.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. angela.bowen@usask.ca
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bowen
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baetz
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Muhajarine
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012525:Saskatchewan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult