RESUMEN
Background: In developing world, the number of women undergoing miscarriage has increased. Womenfacing miscarriage are susceptible to develop depression and the risk is more if the perceived social supportis low or not adequate. This study was conducted to assess the presence of depressive features and perceivedsocial support and to correlate between the two entities in patients with miscarriage.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, single interview study conducted in 100 consecutive patients withmiscarriage in current pregnancy admitted in obstetrics and gynecology ward of a tertiary care center. Afterethics committee approval and written informed consent, each patient was individually interviewed using asemi structured proforma. To assess depressive features, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and toevaluate perceived social support- Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) wereadministered. Data was analyzed statistically.Results: The mean age of the participant was 28.5 years (3.9), all of them were married, majority of thembeing housewives, with primary/secondary level of education and from rural area. On assessment withPHQ9, the prevalence of depression was 32%. Among them 17 % had mild depression, 12% had moderatedepression, and 3% had severe depression. Women with advancing age, lower education level,unemployment, previous miscarriage, miscarriage following treatment for infertility had significantdepression. The perceived social support in the form of family and friends was significantly less in depressedpatients.Conclusion: Miscarriage is a significant stressful event in a women’s life. These women should be evaluatedfor depressive symptoms and carers should be psycho-educated regarding need of social support followingmiscarriage. Early diagnosis and management of depression will help in reducing further morbidity and willimprove the quality of life of these patients.