Postpartum depression in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 5 September 2017
- journal article
- research article
- Published by WHO Press in Bulletin of the World Health Organization
- Vol. 95 (10), 706-717C
- https://doi.org/10.2471/blt.17.192237
Abstract
To provide an estimate of the burden of postpartum depression in Indian mothers and investigate some risk factors for the condition. We searched PubMed®, Google Scholar and Embase® databases for articles published from year 2000 up to 31 March 2016 on the prevalence of postpartum depression in Indian mothers. The search used subject headings and keywords with no language restrictions. Quality was assessed via the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale. We performed the meta-analysis using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression was done for heterogeneity and the Egger test was used to assess publication bias. Thirty-eight studies involving 20 043 women were analysed. Studies had a high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 96.8%) and there was evidence of publication bias (Egger bias = 2.58; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.83–4.33). The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of postpartum depression was 22% (95% CI: 19–25). The pooled prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 17–22) when excluding 8 studies reporting postpartum depression within 2 weeks of delivery. Small, but non-significant differences in pooled prevalence were found by mother’s age, geographical location and study setting. Reported risk factors for postpartum depression included financial difficulties, presence of domestic violence, past history of psychiatric illness in mother, marital conflict, lack of support from husband and birth of a female baby. The review shows a high prevalence of postpartum depression in Indian mothers. More resources need to be allocated for capacity-building in maternal mental health care in India.Keywords
This publication has 54 references indexed in Scilit:
- Postpartum Depression in North Indian Women: Prevalence and Risk FactorsThe Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, 2013
- Are healthcare workers’ intentions to vaccinate related to their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes? a systematic reviewBMC Public Health, 2013
- Advanced maternal age and risk perception: A qualitative studyBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2012
- Predictors of maternal psychological distress in rural India: A cross-sectional community-based studyJournal of Affective Disorders, 2012
- Prevalence and determinants of common perinatal mental disorders in women in low- and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic reviewBulletin of the World Health Organization, 2011
- Evaluation of Post Partum Depression in a Tertiary HospitalThe Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, 2011
- Maternal depression and early childhood growth in developing countries: systematic review and meta-analysisBulletin of the World Health Organization, 2011
- Postpartum blue is common in socially and economically insecure mothersIndian Journal of Community Medicine, 2011
- Postpartum depression effects on early interactions, parenting, and safety practices: A reviewInfant Behavior and Development, 2010
- An exploratory study to evaluate the utility of an adapted Mother Generated Index (MGI) in assessment of postpartum quality of life in IndiaHealth and Quality of Life Outcomes, 2008