Objectives: Postnatal Depression (PND) is a major health problem. It has a serious impact on the mother, her child and family. Studies have shown wide diversity of its prevalence across different cultures. Its epidemiology and its associated risk factors in Oman remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of PND in the Al-Dakhliya governorate and to identify the risk factors contributing to the development of PND.
Methods: A total of 282 Omani women who gave birth in September 2010 were part of a prospective study conducted in Al-Dakhliya governorate. An Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the PND symptoms. Negative binomial regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of outcome (EPDS scores at two and eight weeks post-delivery) due to the non-normal distribution of the EPDS scores.
Results: The study results showed that at two weeks, 13.5% of mothers and 10.6% at eight weeks had EPDS scores of 13. Bahla district was found to have the highest number of depression scores among the other six districts in the governorate. It was found that mothers less than 25 years of age were more likely to report high EPDS scores. The independent predictor was work difficulties both at two and eight weeks postpartum (p=0.001 and p=0.019, respectively). At two weeks postpartum, significant association was also found between depression scores and conflict with a family member (p=0.017), and sickness of a family member (p=0.010). There was no significant association between EPDS scores and socio-demographic, obstetric or other clinical factors.
Conclusion: This study is among the few studies looking at PND in the Middle East and shows on average 12% of Omani women are at a high risk of developing PND (EPDS scores of ≥13). Although the study findings were based on an unvalidated version of EPDS for Omani women, they can be used as a basis for further research.
Keywords: Arabic; Postnatal depression; Risk factors.