The Rate and Risk Factors of Pospartum Depression in Sana’a Yemen

This cross – sectional study was done to assess the rate and risk factors of postpartum depression among women who had given birth between 4 – 6 weeks prior to interview in four public medical centers of Sana’a city over a period from February to July 2016. We administered the Edinburgh postnatal Depression Scale to 642 women. Among these, 97 women had scored ≥ 12, giving the rate of 15.1% of postpartum depression. Mothers with this condition were more likely to have unwanted pregnancy, recent conflict with husbands / family, financial hardship, anxiety and health problems during pregnancy, and difficulties in breastfeeding. The study revealed a high rate of postpartum depression. Although it is recognized that timing and ideal interval for screening is unknown such screening would increase detection, treatment and improve health outcomes of women and their children.