Prevalence of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal article

Objectives: To systematically synthesise the evidence on prevalence of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Global Health, Global Index Medicus and the grey literature were searched with no language or date restrictions. The final search was carried out on 3 May 2022. Eligibility criteria: Cross-sectional, cohort or case–control studies that assessed the prevalence of PTSD in pregnant or postpartum women in LMICs were included. Data extraction and synthesis: Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated with 95% CIs and prediction intervals (PI) using random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore possible sources of statistical heterogeneity. Results: 39 studies were included in the systematic review of which 38 were included in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of clinically diagnosed perinatal PTSD was 4.2% (95% CI 2.2% to 6.8%; 95% PI 0–18%; 15 studies). The pooled prevalence of self-reported perinatal PTSD symptoms was 11.0% (95% CI 7.6% to 15.0%; 95% PI 0–36%; 23 studies). There was no evidence of differences in prevalence according to perinatal stage (antenatal versus postnatal), geographical region, type of setting or study quality. Conclusions: Findings of this review suggest 1 in 10 perinatal women experiences symptoms of PTSD and 1 in 20 experiences clinically diagnosed PTSD. Statistical heterogeneity between studies persisted in subgroup analyses and results should be interpreted with caution. More research from low-income countries is needed to improve understanding of the burden of perinatal PTSD in these settings. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022325072.

Authors: Jenkins, H; Daskalopoulou, Z; Opondo, C; Alderdice, F; Fellmeth, G

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Journal: BMJ Public Health
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 1
• Article number: e000215
• Publication date: 2024-05-02
• Acceptance date: 2024-04-17
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2023-000215
• EISSN: 2753-4294
• ISSN: 2753-4294
• Language: English
• Keywords: community health; public health; social medicine