The global burden and risk factors of common mental disorders in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

During pregnancy, mental health conditions are a major health concern across the globe. Common mental disorders have complex effects on the health of the mother and fetus, as well as long-lasting social and economic repercussions. Hence, this study aimed to assess the worldwide pooled prevalence and risk factors of common mental disorders in pregnant women. We searched published papers using major databases, including Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and HINARI, for studies on the prevalence and risk factors of common mental disorders published up to January 2024. The research teams used the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to assess the quality of each study. Two independent researchers screened and extracted the data. The analysis conducted using STATA statistical software version 11. The global estimated pooled prevalence and risk factors of common mental disorders in pregnant women were assessed using a random effect model. The heterogeneity of the included studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic. The researchers assessed the publication bias using the funnel plot and Egger’s statistical test. The studies comprised eighteen studies with 17,380 pregnant women. The global pooled prevalence of common mental disorders in pregnant women was 31.59% (95% CI: 23.74–39.43). Subgroup analysis estimated the prevalence of common mental disorders in Africa (30.30%; 95% CI: 20.95–39.65), Asia (22.96%; 95% CI: 13.12–32.78), and South America (40.30%; 95% CI: 23.92–59.15). The risk factors considered included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical conditions, intimate partner violence, unplanned pregnancy, emotional violence, and a history of abortion. However, only intimate partner violence (POR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.12, 6.17) was found to be significantly associated with common mental disorders among pregnant women. This study reveals a high global burden of common mental disorders among pregnant women, with regional variations. Intimate partner violence was found to be a significant risk factor. To mitigate its impact, integrating routine mental health screening and intimate partner violence prevention should be made into maternal healthcare services.