Prevalence of postpartum depression in a Moroccan sample

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with post-partum depression among Moroccan mothers. The authors interviewed 144 mothers at 2 and 6 weeks, and at 6 and 9 months after delivery. They used the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) and the Arabic version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Using the M.I.N.I., 18.7% met DSM-IV criteria for depressive disorder in the second week after childbirth. Using a cut-off score of 12, the EPDS indicated a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 96% respectively. Depressive disorder was significantly associated with pregnancy complications, stressful life events during pregnancy, baby's health problems, and poor marital relationship. The subsequent point prevalences were 6.9%, 11.8% and 5.6% respectively at 6 weeks, 6 and 9 months. Postnatal visits were effective in the identification of Moroccan depressed mothers. © Springer-Verlag 2005.