Postpartum depression in the UAE: insights, challenges, and pathways to support

Motherhood is a joyful experience, but it comes with significant challenges. As mothers adapt to caring for a new baby, they undergo psychological, physical, and social changes that can make them vulnerable to mental health issues like postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a serious condition that affects one in seven women within the first year of childbirth, and if left untreated, it can have lasting negative impacts on both the mother and her family, as well as pose an economic burden at the national level. Unfortunately, PPD has received little attention in the UAE, where the mental health infrastructure is lacking in resources, support, and promotion programs. This thesis explored the prevalence of PPD among women in the UAE and identified unique risk factors influenced by cultural, religious, and socioeconomic contexts. The research also proposed innovative approaches, including digital health solutions, to address the unmet mental health needs of postpartum mothers, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive, targeted interventions.