Prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among women in Alhasa Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent affective condition and a major public health concern. PPD can remain unidentified and influence the newborn's emotional and cognitive development, as well as the mother's health, relationships, and bonding with her newborn. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 women who had given birth within 1 year. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Sociodemographic variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the bivariate chisquare test was used to investigate the factors associated with PPD. Results: The prevalence of PPD was 32%. There was a significant association between PPD and the sex of the child; birth weight of the child; psychological support from family, friends, and husband; marital conflicts; and history of depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of PPD in Alhasa city was higher than previously thought in some regions of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the essential need to detect pregnant women at high risk of developing PPD so that their risk can be reduced and appropriate interventions can be implemented to treat the condition. The caregivers for these mothers should be aware of the available strategies for reducing the occurrence and effects of PPD. Intervention strategies to prevent and decrease PPD occurrence should focus on finding women with female newborn, low birth weight children, marital disputes, and weak social support networks.