Prevalence and risk factors of perinatal depression among mothers and fathers in Pakistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health issues affect approximately 10% of women in high-income countries and 30% in low- or middle-income countries. This review aims to determine the prevalence of perinatal depression among mothers and fathers in Pakistan and identify associated risk factors. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We included quantitative studies on the prevalence or incidence of maternal and paternal perinatal depression, including antenatal or postnatal depression in Pakistan, with or without associated risk factors. We performed an electronic search, dual-title/abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction. Analysis was conducted on Revman and JBI SUMARI software. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the NHLBI tool. This review updated a previously published review that included 43 studies, with the last search date of 31st May 2019, now extended to literature published up to June 30, 2023. Results: Consistent with the previous review, our analysis of 61 studies indicated a pooled prevalence of 37% (95% confidence interval (CI): 30.6–43.6) for maternal antenatal depression. Postnatal depression at different time points, revealed rates of 34.2% (95% CI: 22.7–46.7), 40.9% (95% CI: 0–97.4), and 43.1% (95% CI: 24.4–62.9) at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Paternal postnatal depression was observed at 40.5% (95% CI: 14.9–69) based on two studies. Risk factors for maternal perinatal depression include multiparity, contraceptive failure, inadequate antenatal care, pregnancy-induced hypertension, previous psychiatric illness, passive smoking, drug abuse, low socio-economic status, marital problems, family hardships, recent bereavement, housing difficulties, food insecurity, husband's illiteracy, his unemployment, and being blamed for child disability. Conclusion: The findings reveal a high prevalence of perinatal depression among mothers with very limited evidence of fathers residing in Pakistan, emphasising the need for prospective studies addressing mental health challenges. Registration: This review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023442581).