Assessing Awareness and Risk Factors of Mental Health Among Pregnant Women in Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the awareness of mental health risk factors among pregnant women seeking care at Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 104 respondents using a self-structured questionnaire. Key findings revealed a moderate level of awareness regarding mental health among the respondents, with 61.64% having heard about mental health and 46.58% believing it is somewhat important during pregnancy. However, 52.05% were unaware of risk factors that could increase mental health problems. The most prevalent risk factor experienced was financial difficulty (42.47%), followed by stressful life events (32.88%). Regarding preventive measures, 58.90% of respondents were unaware of ways to prevent mental health problems during pregnancy. The strategy most endorsed was "talking to someone about your feelings" (38.36%), but 52.05% felt they were only somewhat likely to implement preventive strategies. Additionally, 32.87% of respondents felt somewhat comfortable seeking help from a mental health professional, while stigma (31.51%) and cost (15.07%) were identified as major barriers to seeking support. The study concludes that while there is some awareness of mental health among pregnant women in the hospital, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding risk factors and preventive measures. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to educate both healthcare providers and expectant mothers about mental health during pregnancy, as well as efforts to address socioeconomic and cultural barriers to accessing mental health services.