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Genetic, Epidemiological, and Clinical Risk Factors for Perinatal Anxiety and Depression in Dubai: Protocol for a
Zenab Yusuf Tambawala1,2, Nusrat Khan1, Shabnam Saquib1,2
1Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
JMIR Research Protocols
|April 29, 2025
Summary
This study investigates risk factors for perinatal anxiety and depression in Middle Eastern women. It aims to identify genetic variants and develop a risk assessment tool for maternal mental health.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health research
- Genetics and epidemiology of maternal mental disorders
- Middle Eastern women's health
Background:
- Perinatal anxiety and depression significantly impact maternal well-being and infant development.
- Research on perinatal mental health burdens and risk factors in the Middle East is limited.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for effective maternal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic, epidemiological, and clinical risk factors for antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression.
- To assess the prevalence of these conditions in a Middle Eastern population.
- To identify specific risk factors unique to this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A 2-point, cross-sectional, observational study of pregnant women in Dubai, UAE.
- Utilizing validated scales (EPDS, GAD-7, Holmes-Rahe) and structured interviews.
- Incorporating whole-genome sequencing and assessment of social, lifestyle, and obstetric factors.
Main Results:
- The study will determine the point prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in antenatal and postnatal periods.
- It will analyze the association between genetic, social, and demographic factors and maternal mental health outcomes.
- Comparisons will be made between women screening positive and negative for depression and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- The research seeks to identify genetic variants linked to perinatal anxiety and depression in Middle Eastern women.
- A comprehensive risk assessment tool will be developed to identify high-risk individuals.
- Findings will contribute to targeted interventions and improved maternal mental healthcare in the region.
Keywords:
antenatal anxietyantenatal depressionanxietyclinical risk factorsdepressiongenetic risk factorsperinatal anxietyperinatal depressionpostnatal anxietypostnatal depressionMore Related Videos
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