Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Palestinian Women in the Hebron Governorate, Palestine

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.

We examined the factors that determine post-partum depression among Palestinian mothers in Hebron governorate.

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.

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.

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.