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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Apr 2024Postpartum anemia, characterized by hematocrit or hemoglobin levels below the defined cutoff point (< 11gm/dl or hematocrit < 33%), is a prevalent global issue. It... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Postpartum anemia, characterized by hematocrit or hemoglobin levels below the defined cutoff point (< 11gm/dl or hematocrit < 33%), is a prevalent global issue. It serves as an indirect contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity. Mothers in the postpartum period experience diminished quality of life, impaired cognitive function, emotional instability, and an increased risk of postpartum depression due to anemia. Additionally, infants of affected mothers may face challenges such as insufficient breast milk supply and a lack of proper care. Examining the combined prevalence and factors associated with postpartum anemia is crucial for addressing maternal health risks and complications during the postnatal phase attributed to anemia.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum anemia in public health facilities of Ethiopia, in 2024.
METHODS
The study was conducted by searching through the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Library search engines. The search utilized keywords and MeSH terms such as anemia, low hemoglobin, postpartum, postnatal women, and Ethiopia. The collected data underwent analysis and comparison with the WHO criteria to determine if it met the threshold for declaring a public health concern. Heterogeneity was evaluated through the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. Prevalence and odds ratio estimations were performed using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval.
RESULT
Four studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of anemia among postpartum women in Ethiopia was 69% (95% CI: 60- 77%).Lack of formal education(OR = 3.5;CI:2.639,4.408),Low Pre-delivery hemoglobin (OR = 4.2;CI: 1.768-6.668), Postpartum women < 4 ANC visit (OR = 2.72; 95% CI:2.14,3.3 ),history of post partum hemorrhage (OR = 2.49; CI: 1.075-3.978),history of Forceps/vacuum delivery(OR = 3.96; CI:2.986-4.947), Poor iron and folic acid adherence (OR = 2.8;95% CI:2.311,3.297), C/S (OR = 4.04; 95% CI: 3.426,4.671),lower dietary diversity (OR = 4.295% CI:1.768,6.668) were significantly associated postpartum anemia.
CONCLUSION
Postpartum women in Ethiopia continue to face a considerable public health challenge in the form of anemia. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the government to formulate comprehensive, multi-sectorial policies and strategies. These initiatives should be designed to address the substantial regional disparities influenced by interconnected factors, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of anemia among postpartum women in Ethiopia.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Female; Prevalence; Anemia; Postpartum Period; Risk Factors; Pregnancy; Mothers; Adult; Health Facilities
PubMed: 38678183
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06525-9 -
Campbell Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that can affect any woman regardless of ethnicity, age, party, marital status, income, and type of delivery. This condition is... (Review)
Review
Effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy in comparison to other psychological and pharmacological interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in women diagnosed with postpartum depression in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that can affect any woman regardless of ethnicity, age, party, marital status, income, and type of delivery. This condition is highly prevalent worldwide. PPD, if not treated timely, can affect the maternal-child bond and can have a detrimental impact on the future cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of the child. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has been reported as an effective treatment of PPD in previous studies as this focuses on relationship and social support issues. Previous reviews conducted in developed nations have reported the superior efficacy of IPT in comparison to other treatment options. There is no systematic review conducted in low to middle-income countries on the efficacy of IPT on PPD. Therefore it was necessary to undertake a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of IPT in reducing the depression among postpartum women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
OBJECTIVES
The main aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of IPT alone or in conjunction with pharmacological therapy and/or other psychological and psychosocial interventions, in reducing depressive symptoms among women diagnosed with PPD residing in LMICs.
SEARCH METHODS
The systematic search encompassed several prominent databases and grey literature. Furthermore, experts specializing in the field of IPT were consulted to identify any relevant studies conducted in LMICs that fulfilled the predetermined eligibility criteria. The most recent search update was performed in July 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The PICOS criteria were meticulously defined for this review as described. Participants: Postpartum women diagnosed with PPD in LMICs were included. Intervention: IPT either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacological therapy was included. Comparison: any form of psychological therapy or pharmacological therapy, whether administered individually or in combination, was considered for comparison. Study designs: experimental and quasi-experimental, factorial designs, and quantitative components (experimental, quasi-experimental, factorial designs) of mixed methods designs were eligible to be included. Studies with single-group study designs and qualitative studies were excluded from the review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers from our team conducted a rigorous screening process to determine the eligibility of articles for inclusion. This involved an initial evaluation of titles and abstracts, followed by a comprehensive assessment of the full text of selected articles. In instances where discrepancies arose between the two reviewers, resolution was achieved through discussion or consultation with a third author to establish a consensus. Following the screening process, two team members independently extracted pertinent information and data from the studies that met the inclusion criteria. The treatment effect of the intervention, in comparison to the control group, was subsequently analyzed utilizing the fixed effects model taking into account the small number of studies.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 17,588 studies were identified from various databases, and 6493 duplicate studies were removed. Subsequently, 9380 studies underwent independent title and abstract screening resulting in the exclusion of 9040 studies. 345 full texts were thoroughly assessed leading to the exclusion of 341 studies, finally including 4 studies for review. The four included trials were randomized trials and comprised a total sample size of 188 women diagnosed with PPD residing in LMICs. Among these studies, three compared IPT with usual treatment, while one study compared IPT with antidepressant medications (ADMs). In terms of the providers of IPT, in one study, IPT was administered by nurses, while psychologists delivered IPT in another study. In one study, community health workers were responsible for providing IPT. However, in one study, information regarding the specific providers of IPT was not available or reported. The primary outcome measure reported in all four studies was depression, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The geographical distribution of the studies included; one conducted in Zambia, one in Kenya, one in Pakistan, and one in Iran. Out of the four studies, three were included in the meta-analysis, as missing data from one study could not be obtained. Based on the overall treatment effect, it was found that depression scores decreased significantly more in the IPT group compared to other interventions (usual treatment or ADMs) (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] (-1.01, -0.23), = 3.13 ( = 0.002), = 49.49; df = 2; < 0.00001; = 96%; 3 studies, = 136). Out of the three studies, two studies compared the effectiveness of IPT in reducing depression scores specifically when compared to the usual treatment, and in both studies, depression scores were reduced significantly in the IPT group as compared to the usual treatment group. Only one study directly compared the effectiveness of IPT with ADM, reporting that IPT was more effective than ADM in reducing depression scores among postpartum women. Regarding adverse outcomes, only one study reported suicidal ideation with one participant in the IPT group and two in the ADM group (RR 0.50, 95% CI (0.05, 5.30), = 0.56, = 78). The same study reported seven participants in the ADM group had adverse drug reactions as compared to none in the IPT group (RR 15.0, 95% CI (0.89, 254), = 0.06, = 78).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Our comprehensive search yielded a limited number of four studies conducted in such settings. Despite the scarcity of available evidence, the findings collectively suggest that IPT is indeed an effective treatment for reducing PPD when compared to usual treatment and pharmacological therapy. However given the low certainty of evidence, there is a need for further research in the form of well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and a reduced risk of bias. Such studies would greatly contribute to enhancing the strength and reliability of the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of IPT in the context of PPD in LMICs. The knowledge generated from future research endeavors would be highly valuable in guiding the development of more affordable and cost-effective treatment approaches for PPD in resource-limited settings.
PubMed: 38645302
DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1399 -
International Breastfeeding Journal Apr 2024Many mothers in high-income countries (HIC) do not breastfeed to the World Health Organisation's recommendation of two years. This is particularly true for low-income... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many mothers in high-income countries (HIC) do not breastfeed to the World Health Organisation's recommendation of two years. This is particularly true for low-income women (LIW). They often face additional socio-structural barriers that encourage early discontinuation and are inadequately supported by current healthcare interventions. Teleinterventions are flexible and widely used following the global pandemic and increase maternal autonomy over intervention delivery. They show promise in improving other maternal conditions in LIW, including postpartum depression. Teleinterventions can increase breastfeeding rates in the wider maternal population, however their efficacy for this underserved population has not yet been systematically assessed. This meta-analysis aimed to identify if teleinterventions increase 'exclusive' or 'any' breastfeeding by LIW in HIC at 1-, 3-4, and 6-months postpartum.
METHODS
We searched five online databases for randomised controlled trials assessing breastfeeding teleinterventions for LIW in HIC. Risk ratios (RR) were used to calculate the average effect of teleinterventions on 'any' and 'exclusive' breastfeeding at at 1-, 3-4, and 6-months postpartum using random effects meta-analysis. Study bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB2), and outcome quality was evaluated against GRADE criteria.
RESULTS
Nine studies met inclusion criteria: six providing telephone calls, two text messages and one an online support group. All the studies were conducted in the United States, with small sample sizes and a high risk of bias. Pooled results indicate teleinterventions modestly increase 'any' and 'exclusive' breastfeeding at all time points, with a statistically significant increase in 'exclusive' breastfeeding after 3-4 months (RR 1.12, 95% CI [1.00,1.25]). At 3-4 months teleinterventions providing peer support were more effective than educational teleinterventions at promoting any and exclusive breastfeeding. Evidence for all outcomes were rated 'low' or 'very low' quality using the GRADE tool, mainly due to high attrition and low power.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite insufficient high-quality research into breastfeeding teleinterventions for LIW, our results suggest teleinterventions may improve exclusive and any breastfeeding. Given breastfeeding is particularly low in LIW population from HIC, our findings are promising and require further exploration by larger, methodologically sound trials in other HIC.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Feeding; Developed Countries; Poverty; Income; Mothers
PubMed: 38615079
DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00631-2 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Apr 2024Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the postpartum period. Depression can decrease self-efficacy in breastfeeding by reducing the mother's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the postpartum period. Depression can decrease self-efficacy in breastfeeding by reducing the mother's self-confidence. Considering the conflicting results regarding the relationship between postpartum depression and breastfeeding self-efficacy, this systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum depression.
METHOD
In this systematic review, published articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched using English keywords "Self-efficacy, breastfeeding, breastfeeding Self-efficacy, depression, postpartum depression" without publication date limit. Data analysis was done with employing STATA14 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using I index which was 0%. Therefore, the fixed effects method was used to combine the data and perform meta-analysis.
RESULT
The results of the meta-analysis showed that based on the fixed effect method, depression was associated with decreased breastfeeding self-efficacy on the first day (SMD = 0.62, 95%CI: -0.830, -0.41, p = 0.0001) and on the third day (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI: -0.55,1.14, p = 0.0001). The Begg and Manzumdar test revealed no publication bias, with p = 0.317.
CONCLUSION
Postpartum depression may be associated with a decrease in the mother's breastfeeding self-efficacy and placing mother in a condition to pay low attention to her maternal role. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide adequate support according to the needs of mothers and develop diagnostic and treatment protocols to improve the level of maternal health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Self Efficacy; Breast Feeding; Mothers; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 38609849
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06465-4 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024The association of caesarean section (CS) for postpartum depression (PPD) remains controversial. This study aims to explore the relationship between CS and the risk of...
BACKGROUND
The association of caesarean section (CS) for postpartum depression (PPD) remains controversial. This study aims to explore the relationship between CS and the risk of PPD, in order to provide a basis for preventing PPD.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for literature about the correlation between CS and PPD published as of February 2024. The combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) were obtained by flexible use of fixed-effects models or random-effects models.
RESULTS
A total of 18 publications were ultimately included in the analysis. Among these, 14 were cohort studies and 4 were case-control reports, encompassing 844,328 total cases. All of the included studies were deemed to be of moderate or higher quality. The meta-analysis indicated that the prevalence of PPD among parturients undergoing CS was 13.4% (95% CI: 6.5%-25.5%).The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the association between CS and PPD was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04-1.20) compared to the natural vaginal delivery (NVD) group. Specifically, the adjusted OR for the association between CS and PPD was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.18-1.40) during the first 1-6 months postpartum, and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.14-1.33) after 6 months postpartum. Furthermore, in comparison to the NVD group, the adjusted OR for elective caesarean section (ELCS) and emergency caesarean section (EMCS) were 0.96 (0.83, 1.10) and 1.20 (1.08, 1.34), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that PPD risk may rise in the presence of CS. In particular, the risk was increased by 20% in the EMCS group, and the risk of PPD within one to six months postpartum after CS increases by 6% compared to that at six months postpartum. In the future, more rational designs and in-depth studies are needed to obtain more accurate information.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023389265.
PubMed: 38606408
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1361604 -
Clinical and Translational Allergy Mar 2024The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is increasing. Early exposure to stress factors may be associated with the AD development. This study aimed to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is increasing. Early exposure to stress factors may be associated with the AD development. This study aimed to summarize studies that reported an association between stress exposure and AD development in later life.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
A comprehensive literature search was performed using online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) for articles published up to May 1, 2023. Eligible studies were screened and selected based on the inclusion criteria. We incorporated cohort or case-control studies published in English which explored the relationship between stress experienced by parents or children and AD. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated according to the type of stress using a random-effects model. Twenty-two studies were included. AD was related to maternal distress (OR 1.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13-1.47), maternal anxiety (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18-1.46), and negative life events (OR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.46-2.76). Maternal depression during pregnancy was associated with AD (OR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.33), whereas no significant association was found for postpartum depression. Research on stress experienced by paternal or children is scare.
CONCLUSIONS
Early maternal stress may potentially elevate the risk of AD in their offspring. Importantly, rigorously designed studies are required to corroborate the link between maternal stress and AD in children. These studies should aim to gather insights about the impact of stress during specific trimesters of pregnancy, postnatal stress, and paternal stress, and to identify potential prevention strategies.
PubMed: 38488856
DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12346 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jul 2024Postpartum depression (PPD) is a growing mental health concern worldwide and has detrimental effects on the social and cognitive health of both mothers and infants. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a growing mental health concern worldwide and has detrimental effects on the social and cognitive health of both mothers and infants. This review was performed to assess the risk of PPD in women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to identify potential moderators.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database on June 17, 2023 (registration number: CRD42023432955). Two researchers independently performed a literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles published before May 25, 2023, with no filters and no language or location restrictions. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of PPD in women with vs. without PPH. We performed sensitivity analyses and meta-regression analyses to resolve heterogeneity. Meta-regression analyses included the effects of age, maternal smoking, marital status, preterm labor, maternal education level, preeclampsia, anemia during pregnancy, and cesarean section.
RESULTS
In total, seven studies involving 540 558 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Women with PPH were at increased risk of PPD compared with women without PPH (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.03-1.16), and heterogeneity was low (I = 23%; τ = 0.0007; p = 0.25). Moreover, the results of the sensitivity analyses showed that the I value decreased from 23% to 0% after excluding one particular study, which may have been a source of heterogeneity. In the meta-regression analyses, the OR of PPD was greatly affected by maternal smoking (OR -0.26; 95% CI -0.30 to -0.22; p < 0.001). However, we did not observe any effects for maternal age, marital status, preterm labor, maternal education level, preeclampsia, anemia during pregnancy, or cesarean section.
CONCLUSIONS
Women with PPH must be closely monitored because they have a higher risk of PPD than women without PPH. Early recognition and management of these patients will improve treatment outcomes, maternal health, and newborn development.
Topics: Humans; Female; Depression, Postpartum; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38475881
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14795 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 2024Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications after childbearing. Urinary incontinence is a frequent symptom during pregnancy and the postnatal period,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications after childbearing. Urinary incontinence is a frequent symptom during pregnancy and the postnatal period, often being the first time that women experience it. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence on the association between urinary incontinence and postpartum depression and to assess whether this association becomes weaker at 6 months after childbirth.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to December 26, 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cross-sectional and cohort studies addressing the association between urinary incontinence and postpartum depression were included.
METHODS
Pooled odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals, and 95% prediction intervals were estimated using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model for the association between urinary incontinence and postpartum depression. Subgroup analyses were conducted on the basis of time after delivery (<6 or ≥6 months). The risk of bias was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort Studies.
RESULTS
Eleven published studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Overall, the odds ratio for the association between urinary incontinence and postpartum depression was 1.45 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.79; 95% prediction interval, 0.49-2.40; I=65.9%; P=.001). For the 7 cohort studies, the odds ratio was 1.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.35-1.91; 95% prediction interval, 1.14-2.13; I=11.1%; P=.345). For the 4 cross-sectional studies, the odds ratio was 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.05; 95% prediction interval, 1.04-1.06; I=0.0%; P=.413). According to the time after delivery, the odds ratio estimates for cohort studies with a postpartum period <6 months were 1.44 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.81; prediction interval, 0.63-2.25; I=0.0%; P=.603) and 1.53 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.89; prediction interval, 0.41-2.65; I=50.7%; P=.087) for those with a postpartum period ≥6 months.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that urinary incontinence may be a potential predictor of postpartum depression. Thus, it is important that health care professionals offer support and treatment options to women who experience these conditions.
PubMed: 38437894
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.307 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Dec 2023We aimed to investigate the intervention effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with postpartum depression. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
We aimed to investigate the intervention effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with postpartum depression.
METHODS
The method of computer and manual keyword retrieval was used to search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library. Literature included in the study was assessed for quality and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Twelve articles were finally included in the study and the meta-analysis showed that 6 articles used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to compare MBIs with conventional therapy, and the statistical heterogeneity between the combined results was low (=0.18, I=32%). The level of depression in postpartum depression patients was lower in the MBIs group than in the conventional group [MD=3.13, 95%CI (2.57, 3.70), <0.00001]. Based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the comparison between MBIs and conventional therapy had low statistical heterogeneity between the combined results (=0.56, I=0%). The level of depression in patients with postpartum depression who received MBIs was significantly lower than in the conventional care group [MD=5.89, 95%CI (4.88, 6.91), <0.00001]. Subgroup analysis showed that the best intervention duration for MBIs for postpartum depression was within 4 weeks (SMD=-1.785), each session ≦60 minutes (SMD=-1.435), and participants had to complete the best three times per week (SMD=-2.185).
CONCLUSION
MBIs can alleviate depression in women, thereby facilitating their adjustment to new life. It is recommended to practice mindfulness meditation for 30 minutes per day.
PubMed: 38435783
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i12.14311 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a serious mental health illness affecting women post-parturition. Around 1 in 1000 women are affected by postpartum psychosis, and the... (Review)
Review
Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a serious mental health illness affecting women post-parturition. Around 1 in 1000 women are affected by postpartum psychosis, and the symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks after birth. Postpartum mental disorders are classified into 3 main categories starting from the least to most severe types, including baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. In this systematic review, genetic and epigenetic factors associated with postpartum psychosis are discussed. A PRISMA flow diagram was followed, and the following databases were used as main sources: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Additional information was retrieved from external sources and organizations. The time period for the articles extracted was 5 years. Initially, a total of 2379 articled were found. After the stated criteria were applied, 58 articles were identified along with 20 articles from additional sources, which were then narrowed down to a final total of 29 articles. It can be concluded that there is an association between PPP and genetic and epigenetic risk factors. However, based on the data retrieved and examined, the association was found to be greater for genetic factors. Additionally, the presence of bipolar disorder and disruption of the circadian cycle played a crucial role in the development of PPP.
PubMed: 38398277
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040964