Factors influencing postpartum depression in Saudi women: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and stress, as well as factors influencing PPD, among women in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional online survey and recruited participants during postpartum visits to the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Data collection was done using Arabic versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and a sociodemographics and obstetric history questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted, including multiple linear regression using a stepwise method. Results: Data from the 270 participants showed low levels of postpartum depressive symptoms with a mean score of 2.54 +/- 4.5 and low levels of perceived stress with a mean score of 2.49 +/- 6.2. While 94.4% of the participants reported low levels of stress and PPD, 5.6% reported elevated levels (>= 10 for PPD, >= 14 for stress). The stepwise regression analysis showed significant results (p<.001), p <.001), accounting for 34% of the variance in PPD. The factors significantly influencing PPD included the type of family, stress, number of abortions, disease during pregnancy, and family income. Importantly, perceived stress emerged as a factor influencing PPD. Conclusion: Although the majority of participants exhibited low levels of PPD, about 1 in 18 showed elevated levels. The identification of significant influencing factors highlights the need for targeted interventions to effectively address mental health concerns in postpartum women.