Social determinants of postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms among mothers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: findings from the maternal and infant health monitoring system
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: PURPOSE: Maternal mental health is central to the well-being of women, infants, and families. However, data on postpartum mental health among the diverse, multinational population of mothers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains limited. METHODS: The study data was from the Maternal and Infant Health Monitoring System (2023-2024; N = 1,751). Postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) and postpartum anxiety symptoms (PAS) were assessed using adapted versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2), respectively. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models were applied to examine the effects of demographic characteristics, financial stressors, and prior abusive experience on the frequency of PDS and PAS. RESULTS: The positive screening rate of PDS was 24.8%, based on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) definition. Younger age (< 25y), higher education level (university level or above), unemployment, and a prior diagnosis of mental illness were associated with greater frequency of both PDS and PAS. Physical or non-physical abuse experienced before or after childbirth was also associated with greater PDS and PAS frequency. Reporting one or more financial stressors was associated with a higher frequency of PDS. CONCLUSION: Postpartum depressive symptoms were common among mothers in Abu Dhabi. Financial hardship and exposure to abuse were key social determinants of postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms. Tailored financial aid and counselling services focused on healthy relationships represent possible support measures for women at elevated risk; however, their effectiveness in reducing postpartum mental health symptoms requires prospective evaluation.
Authors: Wei Chen, Rima Kaddoura, Zeinab Hassan, Mira Mousa, Kawthar Salem Al Ameri, Ruba Meqbel, Razan Jamal Alramahi, Saloua El Azzabi, Haja Isatu Carew, Mervat Muad, Kawther Suleiman Abu-Sahyoun, Andrea Kaelin Agten, Kiran Jilani, Mayada Tayallah, Balqis Alawamleh, Zainab Salih, Zeinab Hassan, Khairat Al-Habbal, Rima Kaddoura, Dean B. Everett, Wei Chen, Mira Mousa, Stuart Gietel-Basten, Hamda Al Suwaidi, Yousef Al Hammadi, Omniyat Al Hajeri, Jessica Rappu, Rakesh Rajagopalan, Hala Ghadban, Bali Renu, Laila Lakhal, Amnish Ravindranath, Mohamed Ali Abdulla Karji Almarzooqi, Mazin Adil Mohamed Elsaid, Avashnee Rampersad, Yousef Al Hammadi, Hamda Al Suwaidi, Omniyat Al Hajeri, Dean B. Everett, Stuart Gietel-Basten, Khairat Al-Habbal
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,390
OpenAlex ID: W7225434589