Incidence and factors associated with postnatal depression among Jordanian women

Abstract

Postnatal depression (PND) is the focus of considerable clinical and research attention however it has been neglected in many developing countries. Using a prospective design with a representative sample of women (n = 353), this longitudinal study aimed to determine the incidence and associated factors in the development of antenatal and postnatal depression in Jordanian women.

There are three Phases of the study. During Phase 1 women in their last trimester of pregnancy and receiving public antenatal clinic care were recruited. In addition to obtaining demographic details, a questionnaire sought information on the antenatal factors commonly associated with depression. These included whether the pregnancy was planned, reproductive history, personal and family history of psychiatric illness including antenatal and postnatal depression, relationship with husband, relationship with mother-in-law, and stressful life events. Standardised measures were used to assess depression, social support, worry, anxiety and stress, preparation for birthing and parenthood, and self-efficacy...