PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG WOMEN IN KINGDOME OF SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is more frequent in women than thought otherwise (2). The intensity of feeling inability in suffering mothers is so high that some mothers with postpartum depression comment life as the death swamp, while non depressed mothers see their baby's birth as the happiest stage of their life. Aim: The present study aims to study the risk factors of postpartum depression among mothers. Methods: Around 2090 Saudi women of postpartum period, were included and assessed using standardized questionnaire and predictive index of postnatal depression, to find out risk factors. Results: The study found thatthe risk of developing postnatal depression was remarkably associated with the number of children which is increased with more than 5 children and positive family history as well. While no association between unplanned pregnancies and postpartum depression. Conclusion: These risk factors can be ascertained during routine pregnancy care; therefore, it is important that antenatal healthcare providers and women themselves should educated about risk factors so that early identification of high risk women can be possible by closer follow-up.