Screening for depression during pregnancy using the Kurdish version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in Erbil city

Abstract

We aimed to determine any difference in the prevalence rate of depression during the three trimesters of pregnancy and its association with certain obstetric risk factors. In total, 1000 pregnant women attending primary health centers in the city of Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq were assessed for depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Women in the first and second trimesters had a significantly higher probability of depression than those in the third trimester. Screening early in pregnancy and following pregnant women in each trimester may help to identify those who are susceptible to depression and enable appropriate intervention.

Acknowledgments

The research team would like to thank all the women whom generously shared their time and accept to participate in this study. The authors also thank Analisa Avila, ELS, from Edanz Group (www.edanzediting.com/ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the Arabic Board for Medical Specializations. Financial support was for academic purposes only.