A Culturally Appropriate Intervention for Preventing and Reducing Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a highly prevalent and serious mental health problem and is defined as the most recent episode of depression occurring between four weeks and twelve months after childbirth. PPD has negative effects, which are usually strongest during the first six months and may decrease the quality of mother-child interaction, adversely affecting the child's behavior and emotional and cognitive development, as well as the spouse marital relationship.PPD prevalence is estimated at 10 to 20%. A recent studies among Arab-Bedouin women, reported 31% - 43 of PPD. Aims: To develop and implement a culturally appropriate intervention program by using focus group (FGs) methodology Methods and Research program description: The study includes two phases. First, qualitative study will be conducted by using focus groups (FGs) method and based on the results of this phase we will develop a culturally based program. The second phase will include implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate intervention.