Associations between anemia and postpartum depression among Arab Bedouin women

Anemia and postpartum depression (PPD) are common perinatal morbidities. Recognition of postpartum anemia as a major risk factor for PPD is crucial for postpartum maternal health. This study aimed to examine the association between anemia and PPD in low-income minority Arab-Bedouin mothers in southern Israel.

The study was conducted in 2017-2018 and included 332 women aged 18 to 45 years who were 2-4 months postpartum. Retrospective data on postpartum anemia (defined as a hemoglobin level < 12 g/dL) was extracted from women's medical records in the clinics. PPD was measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 10 through face-to-face interviews.

Of the total sample, 69% had anemia and 23% had PPD. The prevalence of PPD was higher among women with anemia compared to those without anemia (28.4% vs. 11.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that women with anemia have a nearly threefold increased risk of PPD (95%CI = 1.4-5.6), after adjusting for a range of socioeconomic and obstetrics factors. Additional factors contributing to a higher risk of PPD included living in unrecognized villages (95%CI = 1.2-3.8), a history of one or more miscarriages (95%CI = 1.0-3.3), and being 2 months postpartum compared to 3-4 months (95%CI = 1.1-3.3).

Postpartum anemia is associated with a higher risk of PPD. This suggests that women with anemia require closer monitoring of PPD symptoms for early detection and treatment. Tailored health policies, education, and enhanced maternal care practices about anemia and PPD can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities.