Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Palestinian Women in the Hebron Governorate, Palestine
Date
2024-09-19
Authors
Titi I
Ahmead M
Abed Y
El-Sharif N
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Clin. Pract. Epidemiol. Ment. Health
Abstract
Background: Despite the increased interest from researchers in Postpartum depression (PPD) globally, related
studies are limited in Palestine and do not provide a comprehensive understanding of PPD.
Objective: We examined the factors that determine post-partum depression among Palestinian mothers in Hebron
governorate.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 122 governmental primary healthcare clinics in Hebron
Governorate. A convenient sampling method was used to collect data from 435 using a self-administered
questionnaire using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale.
Results: The mean EPDS scale score was 10.56 (SD 5.273), and 36.1% had a score of ≥13, indicating moderate to
severe depression symptoms. The study results revealed that psychosocial factors were significantly associated with
PPDS and play a crucial role in the development of PPD, such as the history of depression, being exposed to domestic
violence before and during pregnancy, poor husband support, unplanned pregnancy, fear of infant’s gender, and in
addition to anemia than other factors.
Conclusion: A high prevalence of PPD was found among Palestinian women in this study. The study proposes
screening women for trauma or domestic violence and assessing their social support, inquiring about pregnancy
intention, and discussing family planning. Delivering iron supplements to pregnant or postpartum anemic women is
important. Women who have a history of depression, domestic abuse, or lack social support should receive
psychological and medical treatment. Mental health services must be included in the after-birth care protocol to train
primary health clinic staff to recognize and treat PPD.
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Citation
Titi I, Ahmead M, Abed Y, El-Sharif N. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Palestinian Women in the Hebron Governorate, Palestine. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health, 2024; 20: e17450179338712. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0117450179338712240909153229