Effectiveness of digital psychological interventions for perinatal depression: a network meta-analysis
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Published on: June 13, 2021
Yu Xie1, Shuyu Duan1, Yizi Liu1
1School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China.
Insights
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) are the most effective digital treatment for perinatal depression (PND) at both immediate and later stages. This finding offers valuable insights for improving maternal mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Perinatal depression (PND) affects a significant number of mothers globally.
- Effective and accessible interventions are crucial for managing PND.
- Digital psychological interventions offer a scalable solution for PND treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate and compare the efficacy of various digital psychological interventions for PND.
- To identify the most effective digital intervention for perinatal depression through network meta-analysis.
- To assess the sustained effectiveness of interventions at follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive network meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Literature search across major electronic databases identified 32 randomized controlled trials with 8577 participants.
- Primary outcomes measured PND symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; effectiveness was assessed using standardized mean differences and ranking probabilities (SUCRA).
Main Results:
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) demonstrated significant effectiveness compared to control groups post-intervention.
- Both MBI and interpersonal therapy (IPT) showed sustained effectiveness at follow-up.
- MBI was ranked as the most effective intervention overall, with no significant subgroup findings based on delivery mode, income, or perinatal status.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) emerge as a highly effective digital approach for reducing depressive symptoms in the perinatal population.
- The findings support the use of MBI for both immediate and long-term management of perinatal depression.
- Digital interventions, particularly MBI, represent a promising avenue for enhancing perinatal mental healthcare access and outcomes.
Aim:
This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of various digital psychological interventions for perinatal depression (PND) through a network meta-analysis.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
