Cureus. 2025 Apr 23;17(4):e82819. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82819. eCollection 2025 Apr.
ABSTRACT
Objective Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common yet often underdiagnosed mental health condition that can significantly affect maternal well-being and neonatal outcomes. Despite growing awareness, PPD remains insufficiently studied within specific cultural contexts, such as Saudi Arabia, where social and familial expectations may influence maternal mental health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PPD in Saudi women and investigate its association with neonatal health outcomes and maternal risk factors. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Psychiatry Department of King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2019 and 2022. Medical records of 200 postpartum women were screened, and 56 eligible patients diagnosed with PPD were included. Diagnosis of PPD was based on clinical evaluation supported by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a validated screening tool routinely used in the department. Data were collected using a structured review form covering demographic, clinical, and neonatal variables. Descriptive analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the strength of association between PPD and potential risk factors. Results In this study, 56 Saudi Muslim women were investigated with a mean age of 35 years. The majority were married, 54 (92.9%). Regarding consanguinity, 25 (44.6%) had consanguineous marriages, 39 (69.6%) had planned pregnancies, and 28 (50%) females were suffering from different health conditions. Regarding symptom onset, 33 (58.9%) started to feel it after birth, and 23 (41.1%) had maternal complications. Most mothers were diagnosed with PPD after the birth of male infants, and 33 (58.9%) of the mothers were diagnosed with depression with their first newborn baby. Furthermore, 39 children (69.6%) suffered from chronic disease. Conclusion This study underscores the complex interplay of clinical, psychosocial, and obstetric factors in the development of PPD among Saudi mothers. Significant associations were identified with primiparity, vaginal delivery, life stressors, and pregnancy-related difficulties, emphasizing the need for early recognition and targeted support. Conversely, factors such as infant gender, consanguinity, and neonatal health issues were not significant predictors. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive postpartum screening strategies and reinforce the value of integrated mental health services within maternal care frameworks to promote early intervention and optimize outcomes for both mother and child.
PMID:40416157 | PMC:PMC12099466 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.82819
