ABSTRACT
Objectives Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant health concern associated with several risk factors. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PPD and its related factors in a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specifically King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of 187 females aged 18 to 50 years old who gave birth at KKUH. Data were collected from the same participants at two stages using the same questionnaire, which consisted of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and demographic questions. In the first stage, the participants were selected randomly. The second stage included participants who scored less than 9 on the EPDS in the first stage and were asked to retake the questionnaire four weeks later. Results The prevalence of PPD found in this study was 50.3%, which is higher than in other studies that have been conducted in the country. Furthermore, factors such as sleep disturbances (p = 0.005), loss of interest in daily activities (p = 0.031), mood swings (p = 0.021), frequent bouts of sadness (p < 0.0001), and frustration or worry (p < 0.0001) were all found to significantly increase the risk of PPD. Conclusion This study demonstrates a high prevalence of PPD in women who delivered at KKUH. More studies with a more rigorous methodology are warranted.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The level of awareness of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Saudi Arabia, especially among populations at high risk, is not currently well known. Therefore, our objective was to assess the existing level of awareness among patients who are at high risk of PAD, as well as their comprehension of the disease. METHOD: An interview-based cross-sectional study included 1035 participants with risk factors for PAD and collected data on demographics and knowledge domains related to PAD. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and ANOVA. Overall, participants exhibited poor knowledge, with a mean score of 5.7 out of 26. The highest scores were observed in the risk factor and preventive measure domains, with means of 1.8 out of 7 and 1.8 out of 6, respectively. The factors associated with higher knowledge scores included older age, male gender, higher education, healthcare profession, interviews in vascular settings, previous awareness of PAD, and prior cardio-cerebrovascular interventions. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the inadequate knowledge of PAD among high-risk individuals. Targeted educational initiatives are essential to bridge this knowledge gap, potentially reducing the burden of PAD-related complications and improving patient outcomes. Efforts should focus on raising awareness about PAD, particularly among high-risk populations.