The prevalence of postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among women in Taif city

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) among a sample of Saudi women in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 women. A questionnaire was used to collect data about participants\' demographics, medical and obstetric history, feeling about pregnancy and difficult times faced throughout life, perceived bouts of PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic and its causes, family history of depression, social support and PPD awareness. The Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPD) was used to assess PPD prevalence. Results: Total 54% of studied women had bouts of PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common causes were feeling of danger to oneself and the newborn (37%). Of them, 34.8% and 39.1% had unsupportive husbands and families, respectively. While 87% had PPD based on the EPD scores, only about 48.9% reported being aware of PPD. Married women, who had health problems during pregnancy, who had bouts of PPD during the Corona pandemic 6-12 months prior to taking the questionnaire and who had these bouts because of the feeling of danger to oneself and the newborn had a significantly higher percentage of having PPD. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of PPD among studied women. Social support and screening of mothers after delivery for PPD is needed for early management and intervention.