Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
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.
Background:
Perinatal anxiety and depression can significantly impact maternal well-being, infant development, and mother-child bonding. There is a relative lack of research on the overall burden of and risk factors for perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety in the Middle Eastern region.
Objective:
We aimed to investigate genetic, epidemiological, and clinical risk factors for anxiety and depression in antenatal and postnatal mothers.
Methods:
This study is a 2-point, cross-sectional, observational study of pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We will evaluate the point prevalence of depression and anxiety with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale, and the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory and analyze the risk factors in affected and unaffected women. The women will be evaluated with structured interviews, initially in the antenatal period (between 20 to 26 weeks) and again in the postnatal period (between 6 weeks to 6 months after delivery). Whole-genome sequencing will be conducted to comprehensively map genomes and detect variants associated with depression and anxiety after the initial interview. Social factors such as family characteristics and partner support, as well as lifestyle factors such as exercise, vitamin D intake, and obstetric factors, along with intrapartum and neonatal events affecting maternal mental health, will also be assessed.
Results:
We will assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and risk factors in the antenatal and postnatal period between July 2025 and June 2026 at Dubai Hospital. The association of genetic, social, and demographic risk factors with depression and anxiety will be compared in women who screen positive for depression and anxiety and those who screen negative.
Conclusions:
This research aims to identify genetic variants associated with perinatal anxiety and depression in Middle Eastern women and to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool for identifying women at high risk for perinatal anxiety and depression.
International Registered Report Identifier (Irrid):
PRR1-10.2196/68346.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

