Prevalence and Predictors of Depression and Anxiety among Women Using Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Contraceptives: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Depression and Anxiety among Women Using Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Contraceptives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i9.3658Keywords:
Association, Hormonal Contraceptives, Non-Hormonal Contraceptives, Depression, AnxietyAbstract
There is still debate over the psychological effects of hormonal contraceptives, and there is little data from low-resource countries like Pakistan. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety among women using hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad, from May to September 2025. A total of 376 women were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a pre-developed questionnaire, which included sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales. Associations were examined by chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors. Results: The rates of clinically significant depression and anxiety were found to be 68.1% and 70.7%, respectively. Both conditions were strongly linked to contraceptive method (p<0.001), with combined oral contraceptive users presenting the highest rates (83.0% for both) and implant users the lowest (27.7% and 21.7%). Regression analysis showed that being employed was a protective factor for depression (AOR = 0.50). After controlling for sociodemographic variables, hormonal contraceptives were not an independent predictor of depression; nevertheless, the best predictor of anxiety (AOR = 2.92) was medical reasons for using contraceptives. Conclusions: Women using hormonal contraceptives, particularly combined oral and injectables, had increased rates of anxiety and depression. Following the adjustment, there was no independent correlation between the usage of contraceptives and depression. The most significant psychological risk factors were higher parity, unemployment, and medical reasons for using contraceptives.
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