Comparison of the prevalence of probably postpartum depression before and during the covid-19 pandemic in Turkey: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of probably postpartum depression and the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of probably postpartum depression based on the results of the studies in Turkey.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. The key words postpartum depression or postnatal depression and Turkey were searched in the electronic databases of PubMed, EbscoHost, OVID Journals, Science Direct, Web of Science, ULAKBIM Databases, DergiPARK, TR Dizin, YÖK-Natural Thesis Centre. The systematic review was performed by following PRISMA and COSMOS-E. Data were collected by using a data extraction tool developed by the researchers. The quality of the studies was evaluated by utilizing The Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies. Obtained data were synthesized with meta-analysis, narrative synthesis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression.

Results: The total sample size of 34 studies included in this meta-analysis was 10 236. The cut-off score for the EPDS was considered as ≥ 13 in 30 studies and ≥ 12 in four studies. The pooled probably postpartum depression prevalence was 17.8% (95% CI: 0.153-0.206; 95% Prediction Interval: 0.070-0.383). It was found to be 16.3% before the pandemic (95% CI: 0.065-0.358; 95% Prediction Interval: 0.065-0.358) and increased to 20.2% during the pandemic (95% CI: 0.068-0.468; 95% Prediction Interval: 0.068-0.468), though the difference was not significant (Q = 1.77; df: 1; p = 0.184). The meta-regression analysis showed that the prevalence of probably postpartum depression did not change depending on the geographical region where the studies were performed, the time of data collection and the cut-off point of the EPDS. However, the studies reported many factors related to women, their infants and families that affected the prevalence of probably postpartum depression.

Outcomes: This meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of probably postpartum depression was very high, increased during the pandemic and was affected by many risk factors. It may be recommended that healthcare professionals take protective and improving measures for the mental health of women at high risk during the perinatal period and provide early diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and care services.