Postpartum depression

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Middle Eastern/Arab Women

“…Kheirabadi et al (2009) reported a 35.8% prevalence rate of severe depression (based on BDI score) in women with a previous history of depression. This is consistent with a review of the literature conducted by Alici-Evcimen and Sudak (2003) in the United States. In addition, a history of chronic health problems and a lack of antenatal care are reported (Chaaya et al, 2002;Eilat-Tsanani et al, 2006;Glasser et al 2011;Rizk et al, 2005).…”

“…These are interrelated sets of factors that could be found in studies of women from other parts of the world. According to some studies, there are not many differences between risk factors observed in the Middle-Eastern/Arab countries and those reported in other places (Alici-Evcimen & Sudak, 2003;Pearlstein, Howard, Salisbury, & Zlotnick, 2009), but the prevalence in the Middle East is certainly higher.…”

“…While reasons for neglect of PPD is not researched, one could only surmise that such practices could be a result of lack of scientific knowledge or misunderstandings and the society being so collectivistic that people simply rely on extended family members even for matters including health issues. Research indicates that a single episode of PPD appears to increase the risk of recurrence by 25% for a future delivery (Alici-Evcimen & Sudak, 2003) and mothers who develop PPD are 25% to 100% more likely to experience a recurrent depressive episode in later pregnancies (Gabbe et al, 2007). Therefore, preventative strategies designed to attenuate or eliminate the impact of contributory factors can improve the emotional wellbeing of women in the vulnerable postnatal period (Alici-Evcimen & Sudak, 2003;Bener et al, 2012).…”

“…Research indicates that a single episode of PPD appears to increase the risk of recurrence by 25% for a future delivery (Alici-Evcimen & Sudak, 2003) and mothers who develop PPD are 25% to 100% more likely to experience a recurrent depressive episode in later pregnancies (Gabbe et al, 2007). Therefore, preventative strategies designed to attenuate or eliminate the impact of contributory factors can improve the emotional wellbeing of women in the vulnerable postnatal period (Alici-Evcimen & Sudak, 2003;Bener et al, 2012). The first stage of prevention should start with screening all mothers and especially those who present with potential risk for PPD.…”

“…After effective screening, preventative factors indicated in the literature are education and increased awareness among women and health care providers with regards to signs and symptoms of PPD (Alici-Evcimen & Sudak, 2003;Bener et al, 2012). While this approach is common in the West, it is severely lacking in Middle Eastern countries, perhaps due to the notion that they already know what to do and perhaps due to their refusal to compromise their traditional practices.…”