Postpartum depression and related risk factors among Saudi females

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common mental health complication of childbirth. It has been estimated to affect approximately 10–15% of mothers after childbirth. If untreated, PPD can lead to more serious mental illness. Identifying risk factors can help develop accurate screening assessment for the early identification and treatment of those at risk. To date, no studies have examined the prevalence rate of PPD among Saudi women or the specific risk factors for PPD in Saudi culture. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of PPD and to assess the risk factors. A total of 1200 women were invited to participate in the study immediately after delivery, 571 of those women were interviewed by phone five weeks later using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. The study found an approximately 14% prevalence of PPD in Saudi women. A previous psychiatric history, mothers’ health during pregnancy and the delivery time were specific risk factors in this group. These data are expected to mo...