Prevalence and Risk Factors of Major Depressive Disorder Among Women at Public Antenatal Clinics From Refugee, Conflict-Affected, and Australian-Born Backgrounds

Key Points Question What is the prevalence and which risk factors are associated with major depressive disorder in women from conflict-affected backgrounds resettling in a high-income country, and does self-identification as a refugee signal a higher risk? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 1335 women (685 recruited from conflict-affected backgrounds and 650 from the host nation), the prevalence of major depressive disorder was 14.5% for women born in the host nation compared with 19.7% for women from conflict-affected backgrounds and 32.5% for women who identified as refugees. Meaning General and refugee-related traumatic events, intimate partner violence, low social support, and financial stress should be prioritized in resettlement policies and clinical settings to reduce major depressive disorder in women from conflict-affected backgrounds and those who identify as refugees.