Effect of interventions to prevent depression associated with childbirth in women at risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Effekt av tiltak for å forebygge depresjon i forbindelse med fødsler hos kvinner i risiko. En systematisk oversikt og meta-analyse.

Abstract

Background: A proportion of 10-15% of Norwegian mothers experience symptoms of depression in such an extent that they may need help. In addition to complicate life for the mother, there is a danger that the child's development may be adversely affected by the mother's condition. Objectives of the study are to determine if it can be proven difference in efficacy of interventions between two groups of women at risk, selected differently. Results and theme are discussed, related to Norwegian conditions. Methods: A literature review published by the Cochrane Library in 2013 concluded that several types of interventions reduced the incidence of depression, particularly for women at risk. A supplementary systematic search of scientific literature is performed. Meta- analysis is used to find answer to the research question. Results: As a result of the systematic literature search, two more scientific papers were detected. Combined with the seven articles from the original search, it was a total of nine. These studies involved over 2600 women. Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in efficacy between the two different groups. Constituent material gave no basis for making moderator analysis. Conclusion: This study indicates that there is no significant difference in the efficacy of interventions if one selects women at risk by risk factors in general, or as a result of elevated total-score of a mapping. There are many questions that should be clarified in the work of uncovering and preventing depression in women during pregnancy and births in Norway. In particular the focus on measures that specifically improves infant’s development conditions must be increased.