Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Female teachers are particularly vulnerable to developing depression and anxiety during pregnancy, and there are substantial research gaps regarding this specific group. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and depression among pregnant teachers in the state public basic education system of Minas Gerais. METHODS: This was an epidemiological web survey conducted from August 20 to September 11, 2020, using an online questionnaire sent to basic education teachers. The dependent variable was a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety at any point in time. The analysis was restricted to data from pregnant teachers. Pearson's chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were applied. RESULTS: Among the 232 pregnant teachers, 64.2% reported a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety at some point. A higher prevalence of anxiety and/or depression was observed among those aged 36 years or older (prevalence ratio = 1.55; 95%CI 1.01-2.39) and those reporting mental health problems among family members (prevalence ratio = 2.06; 95%CI 1.31-3.22). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among pregnant teachers is high and is associated with being aged 36 years or older and reporting mental health problems among family members.