Prevalence of perinatal depression and its determinants in Mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Journal of affective disorders 2020-12, Vol.277, p.1022-1037
• Main Authors: Nisar, Anum, Yin, Juan, Waqas, Ahmed, Bai, Xue, Wang, Duolao, Rahman, Atif, Li, Xiaomei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: China; China - epidemiology; Depression; Depression, Postpartum - epidemiology; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Maternal mental health; Perinatal depression; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Risk factors
• ISSN: 0165-0327; 1573-2517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.046

•First meta-analysis of perinatal depression in Mainland China with studies in English and Chinese•In Mainland China, 16.3% women had perinatal depression symptoms or diagnosis•An increasing trend was seen over the last decade and in underdeveloped regions•Poor socioeconomic status, ill health and lower social support were key risk factors•Better living conditions and higher level of education was protective factors Perinatal depression is a maternal mental health condition that is associated with various adverse health outcomes both for the mothers and the babies. The study aim was to estimate the prevalence of perinatal depression and its risks and determinants in Mainland China. Systematic searches were conducted in 10 major databases and random effect meta-analysis was performed to achieve the pooled variance of perinatal depression. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on region, scale, methods of diagnosis and study design. Meta-regression was performed with the variables such as age, quality assessment score and gross domestic product (GDP) of the province. Pooled prevalence of perinatal depression was 16.3% (CI=95%; 14.7% to 18.2%, P < 0.001), with antenatal depression 19.7% (CI=95%; 15.8% to 24.2%, P < 0.001) and postnatal depression 14.8% (CI=95%; 13.1% to 16.6%, P < 0.001). Significant publication bias was found and heterogeneity was I2= 98.13%. Lower socioeconomic status, poor physical health, anxiety about pregnancy and reduced social support were major risk factors while better living conditions and higher level of education were protective factors. The prevalence of perinatal depression showed a significant increasing trend in the last decade. The review does not include studies with small sample size (n