Efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on perinatal mood disorders and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review...

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on depression, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, and neonatal outcomes in randomized controlled trials.

A systematic search of domestic and international databases was conducted to identify RCTs evaluating mindfulness-based interventions. Outcome measures included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Apgar score. Statistical analysis involved calculating standardized mean differences (SMD) and assessing heterogeneity using I² values.

A comprehensive literature search identified 790 articles, from which 9 studies (including 1024 participants) were included. No significant effect was found for depression (EPDS: SMD = -1.63, p > 0.05) or stress (PSS: SMD = -1.92, p > 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in anxiety (SAS: SMD = -0.64, p < 0.05) and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score: SMD = 0.87, p < 0.05). Mindfulness showed no significant difference (FFMQ: SMD = 2.27, p > 0.05). High heterogeneity was observed for most outcomes.

Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce anxiety and improve neonatal outcomes. However, their effects on depression, stress, and mindfulness require further investigation due to high heterogeneity across studies.