Mental Health World Conference 2026

Abstract

Objective
To examine whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is independently associated with postpartum depression (PPD) and to assess the role of GDM management in PPD risk among Omani women.

Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Eleven randomly selected primary health care centers in Muscat, Oman.

Participants
A total of 468 Omani women, aged 19 to 40 years who received antenatal and postnatal care in participating primary health care centers between June 2023 and January 2024, were included.

Results
The prevalence of probable PPD (EPDS greater than 12) was 8.1 Percent. GDM was not independently associated with PPD (adjusted OR 0.97, 95percent CI 0.41 to 2.31 p is equal to 0.939). However, insulin treated GDM was strongly associated with PPD (adjusted OR 32.75 95percent  CI 3.75 to 286.29 p is equal to 0.002). Low education level and high obstetric risk were also significant predictors.

Conclusion:
GDM diagnosis alone was not associated with PPD. However, insulin requiring GDM was strongly linked to increased PPD risk, suggesting that disease severity may contribute to psychological vulnerability. Integrated mental health screening should be considered for women with severe GDM in primary care settings.