Original Article
Assessment
of Depression and Anxiety Levels among Postpartum Women in Najran City
Samah R. I. Elrefaey 1,2,* Eman M. I. Haloul 3,
Zeinab Y. A. Morsy4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69993/2024.2.3.en5
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Abstract
Background: The postpartum period represents a critical
and delicate phase in most pregnancies. Postpartum mental health refers to the
mental and emotional well-being of mothers after giving birth. This study aimed
to assess depression and anxiety levels among
postpartum women in Najran city.
Methods: The study employed
an observational design conducted from 1st May to 30th September 2022 in
primary healthcare facilities in Najran, Saudi Arabia. A sample of 241
postpartum women participated in the study. Socio-demographic characteristics,
obstetric history, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were
used to collect the data.
Results: The study findings revealed that 35.7% of the
subjects exhibited a moderate level of depression, whereas about 50%
had severe to extremely severe levels of depression.
Furthermore,
30.7% of the participants displayed a moderate level of anxiety, while 19.5%
exhibited a mild level of anxiety. Regarding stress levels, 31.1% of the
subjects experienced a moderate stress level, whereas 18.7% reported an
extremely severe level of stress.
Conclusion: The findings
indicate that almost half of the participants (nearly 50%) had severe to
extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress. These results underscore the
importance of prioritizing mental health care for postpartum women and
implementing effective strategies to address depression, anxiety, and stress,
thereby ensuring their overall well-being and that of their families.
Keywords
Postpartum, Depression, Anxiety, Stress,
Mental health, Najran
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69993/2024.2.3.en5
1 Psychiatric and Mental Health
Nursing Department, Nursing College, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
2 Community
and Mental Health Nursing Department, Nursing College, Najran University,
Najran, KSA.
3 Medical
Surgical Department, Nursing College, Najran University, Najran, KSA
4
Lecturer of Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Badre University in
Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
* Correspondence author:
Samah Ramadan Ibrahim Elrefaey, Community and Mental Health Nursing Department,
Nursing College, Najran University, KSA. Email: samahramadan684@gmail.com
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