Effectiveness of digital psychological interventions for perinatal depression: a network meta-analysis

This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of various digital psychological interventions for perinatal depression (PND) through a network meta-analysis.

The network meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA guidelines,with its protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024609951). Literature search was conducted in electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsyclNFO, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Randomised studies of digital psychological interventions for PND are identified. PND symptoms, as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, are the primary outcomes. The mean effect size and its 95% confidence interval (CI) are calculated by combining the standardised mean differences (SMDs) between interventions at post-intervention and follow-up. The ranking probabilities of all interventions are estimated using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Study quality is assessed via Cochrane RoB 2.

A total of 8577 participants from 32 studies are included. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) were significantly more effective than control groups at post-intervention. MBI and interpersonal therapy (IPT) also demonstrated sustained effectiveness at follow-up. Overall, MBI ranked as the most effective intervention. Subgroup analyses stratified by delivery mode, country income level, and perinatal status revealed no significant findings in these three subgroups.

The findings suggest that MBI may be the most effective approach for alleviating depressive symptoms in the overall perinatal population at both post-intervention and follow-up.