The Associated Factors of Antenatal Depression Among Women inMiddle Eastern and Arabic-Speaking Countries: A Scoping Review of theLiterature and the Role of Health Promotion

Background: Antenatal Depression (AD) is associated with sociocultural, economic, and structural stressors and remains underdiagnosed across Middle Eastern and Arabic-speaking countries. Dearth of empirical evidence limits coordinated prevention and service planning. Methods: A scoping review was conducted across five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library). Searches were completed on 10 July 2025. Eligible studies (2020–2025) reported factors associated with AD and/or health-promotion strategies among pregnant women in Middle Eastern/Arabic-speaking countries. Screening, data charting, and thematic synthesis followed PRISMA-ScR guidance. Meta-analysis was considered but deemed infeasible due to heterogeneity in designs and outcomes. Results: Fifty studies (predominantly cross-sectional) were included, from which frequently reported correlates included psychological vulnerability, poor social support, unintended pregnancy, and socioeconomic strain. Displacement and conflict exposure intensified risk where reported. 41% of studies mentioned health promotion, largely limited to screening recommendations, with minimal real-world implementation evaluation. Discussion: AD in this region reflects the interaction of psychological, social, and structural stressors. Nutrition, adverse childhood experiences, and partner mental health emerged as underexamined contributors. Health-promotion research remains largely descriptive, with limited attention to implementation fidelity and sustainability. Conclusion: Strengthening maternal mental health promotion in Middle Eastern and Arabicspeaking contexts requires integrated screening, clear referral pathways, culturally adapted counselling options, and longitudinal research to inform scalable policy and service planning.