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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Mar 26;24(1):220.
doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06409-y.

Depression during pregnancy and associated factors among women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Solomon Shitu Ayen  1 , Abebaw Wasie Kasahun  2 , Amare Zewdie  2
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Depression during pregnancy and associated factors among women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Solomon Shitu Ayen et al. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable experiences in a woman's life. Prenatal depression, characterized by stress and worry associated with pregnancy, can reach severe levels. On a global scale, mental and addictive disorders affect more than one billion people, causing 19% of years lived with disability. It is estimated that 25-35% of pregnant women experience depressive symptoms, with 20% meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine depression during pregnancy in Ethiopia. The search was conducted from March 1-31, 2023. Data extraction used Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA version 17. The New Castle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. The Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model estimated the pooled level of antenatal depression (APD). Publication bias was detected using a funnel plot and Begg's and Egger's tests.

Results: Out of 350 studies searched, 18 were included in the analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of depression in Ethiopia was 27.85% (95% CI: 23.75-31.96). Harari region reported the highest prevalence (37.44%), while Amhara region had the lowest (23.10%). Factors significantly associated with depression included unplanned pregnancies, low social support, low income, previous history of depression, intimate partner violence, and history of abortion.

Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that approximately one-quarter of pregnant women in Ethiopia experience depression during pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancy, low social support, low income, previous history of depression, history of abortion, and intimate partner violence are determinants of depression. To address this high prevalence, the Ethiopian government and stakeholders should develop policies that incorporate counseling during pregnancy follow-ups. Improving the quality of life for pregnant women is crucial for the well-being of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Keywords: Depression during pregnancy; Ethiopia; Pregnant women.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of selection for systematic review and meta-analysis on DDP and associated factors in Ethiopia, 2023
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Sensitivity test of studies included in systematic review and meta-analysis on DDP and associated factors in Ethiopia, 2023
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Funnel plot showing the symmetric distribution of articles on DDP in Ethiopia, 2023
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Pooled prevalence systematic review and meta-analysis on DDP and associated factors in Ethiopia, 2023
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Subgroup analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis on DDP and associated factors in Ethiopia, 2023
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