Postpartum Depression: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Childbirth Experiences in Palestine

Background: Worldwide mothers are suffering from postpartum depression (PPD) which impairs mothers' well-being, children, and families, and lead to adverse outcomes for mother and their growing newborns. Low and middle-income countries have a higher prevalence of PPD and limited studies about it. This study will assess the prevalence of PPD among Palestinian women nationally, identify mothers at a higher risk of PPD, and study the correlation between PPD and mistreatment during childbirth. Methods: The study is based on a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). 745 telephone-based interviews with mothers were done within 2-4 weeks post-childbirth. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a screening tool for PPD. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used. Results: PPD prevalence among Palestinian mothers is 12.6%, with a higher prevalence among mothers living in the Gaza strip, a politically and economically unstable region in Palestine. Older mothers are two times more likely to develop PPD compared to young mothers. And regarding the correlation between PPD and mistreatment of mothers during childbirth, mothers who experienced disrespectful behaviors (any abuse, negligence, abandonment, ineffective communication, or poor pain management) in childbirth settings are more likely to report PPD than those who were not exposed to any form of disrespect. Conclusion: A high prevalence of postpartum depression was found among Palestinian mothers, especially among mothers who experienced mistreatment in childbirth settings. It is essential to support healthcare providers to improve their practice and attitudes to eliminate mistreatment and abusive behaviors of mothers during childbirth.