Prevalence of Postpartum Depression among Women in Childbearing Age Attending Primary Health Care Centres, Qassim Region

Background and Objectives Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a significant threat to mothering and has negative impact on both mothers and children. There is limited information about PPD prevalence and associated factors in Saudi Arabia particularly in Qassim region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD and factors associated with PPD among women of childbearing age in Buraidah, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a cross sectional study including 204 mothers aged 18-45 years in postpartum period attending primary health care centres in Buraidah during April to August 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, newborn related factors, marital and family relationship factors, and social support factors of the participants. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to determine PPD among the participants. Results Out of 229 invited women, 204 willingly participated (response rate: 89.1%). More than half of the participants (58.3%) belonged to 18-30 years age group; 62.3% participants had university or above education; 82.4% were housewives; and household income level was considered `moderate' by 65.7% of the participants. According to EPDS, the prevalence of PPD was 13.7% while 17.6% had `possible Post-Partum Depression', and 12.3% had `fairly high possibility of Depression'. PPD was significantly associated with friend support (p=0.03) husband support (p=0.01) and absence of conflict with the husband (p=0.02). Conclusion More than a quarter of women were likely to have PPD needing monitoring, diagnostic assessment and possible treatment by primary health care physicians or specialists. Comprehensive post-natal care including screening for PPD in primary health care centers is recommended.