The Prevalence of Perinatal Depression in KAMC and Associated Factors

Abstract

Perinatal depression is the most common childbirth complication which could adversely affect the whole family. Mothers with perinatal depression are more likely to deliver a baby with low birth weight, decrease head circumference, and low cognitive and physical growth. This study estimates the prevalence of perinatal depression and identifies the associated factors. This was a cross sectional study conducted at the King Fahd Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Four hundred women participated in the study: 200 prenatal women who exceeded 20 weeks of pregnancy, and 200 postpartum women in their first year after delivery that exceeded 3 weeks from delivery. The participants completed the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, and a questionnaire about obstetric and sociodemographic data. The prevalence of perinatal depression was 22%; the prevalence in prenatal women was 23.5%, and in postnatal women it was found to be 20.5%. The associated factors were marital relationship problems, exposure to difficult events, having low socioeconomic status, lack of support from the family, and being a victim of domestic violence. One-fourth of the samples were affected by perinatal depression. Routine screening of perinatal depression is highly recommended; to decrease the complications and the feeling of stigma.