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

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of 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, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Türkiye Atıf Dizini, TR Dizin, DergiPark and YÖK- National 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 pooled postpartum depression prevalence was 17.8% (95% CI: 0.153–0.206). It was found to be 16.3% before the pandemic (95% CI: 0.065–0.358) and increased to 20.2% during the pandemic (95% CI: 0.068–0.468), though the difference was not significant (Q = 1.77; df: 1; p = 0.184). According to the results of the meta-regression analysis, the geographical region where the study was performed, the postpartum period when data were collected and the cut-off point of the data collection tool used were not effective in the prevalence of postpartum depression. However, there were many factors affecting the postpartum depression prevalence. Outcomes This meta-analysis revealed that the postpartum depression prevalence 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.