Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of childbirth with prevalence estimated at 10–20% reported in many countries,
including Israel. However, no data has been reported for Israeli Bedouin women, whose lifestyle is significantly different
from that of the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD among Bedouin women in the southern
Negev. The study included 104 women attending public health clinics for pregnancy and postpartum care. PPD symptoms were assessed
using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The rate of PPD symptoms was 43% at the EPDS cut-off score of 10, and
26% at the more stringent cut-off score of 13. This rate is considerably higher than reported rates among Israeli Jewish women.
No significant difference was found between a score of ≥10 and maternal age, number of children, or level of education; however,
at the EPDS score of ≥13, there was an inverse relationship between educational level and PPD symptoms. Lower rates were found
among women whose pregnancies were planned and those who worked out of the home. The high rate of PPD among these Israeli
Bedouin women challenges health authorities to find ways minimize the negative consequences for themselves, their children,
and families.
including Israel. However, no data has been reported for Israeli Bedouin women, whose lifestyle is significantly different
from that of the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD among Bedouin women in the southern
Negev. The study included 104 women attending public health clinics for pregnancy and postpartum care. PPD symptoms were assessed
using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The rate of PPD symptoms was 43% at the EPDS cut-off score of 10, and
26% at the more stringent cut-off score of 13. This rate is considerably higher than reported rates among Israeli Jewish women.
No significant difference was found between a score of ≥10 and maternal age, number of children, or level of education; however,
at the EPDS score of ≥13, there was an inverse relationship between educational level and PPD symptoms. Lower rates were found
among women whose pregnancies were planned and those who worked out of the home. The high rate of PPD among these Israeli
Bedouin women challenges health authorities to find ways minimize the negative consequences for themselves, their children,
and families.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-011-0216-4
- Authors
- Saralee Glasser, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Ela Stoski, Department of Health Management, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University Center, Ariel, Israel
- Victoria Kneler, Department of Health Management, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University Center, Ariel, Israel
- Racheli Magnezi, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816