Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of the Maternity Blues in the Postpartum Period

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of maternity blues among women in the postpartum period.

Data sources: We conducted our systematic review and meta-analysis by searching the literature for relevant articles published in three international databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from date of inception through December 11, 2019, using the keywords prevalence, incidence, maternity blues, and baby blues.

Study selection: From 336 articles initially screened, we included 26 articles in the systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data extraction: Two independent reviewers used a standardized form to extract data from eligible articles. We evaluated the quality of individual studies and the overall evidence according to Hoy et al.'s risk of bias tool.

Data synthesis: The prevalence of maternity blues in the 26 included studies was 13.7% to 76.0%. Based on the results of the random effects model, the prevalence of maternity blues in 5,667 women was 39.0% (95% confidence interval [32.3, 45.6]; I² = 96.6%). The prevalence of maternity blues among women in Africa was greatest at 49.6%.

Conclusion: Considering the great prevalence of maternity blues in women after childbirth, paying attention to the key symptoms of maternity blues and implementing educational programs for health care providers and mothers after childbirth are essential.

Keywords: maternity blues; meta-analysis; postpartum period; prevalence.