Risk factors associated with Postpartum Anxiety in Australia, Europe, and North America: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis [Conference Poster]

Jones, Katie; Folliard, Kelda; Di Malta, Gina; Oates, John; Gilbert, Leah and Harrison, Virginia (2024). Risk factors associated with Postpartum Anxiety in Australia, Europe, and North America: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis [Conference Poster]. In: ESRC Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership Annual Conference 2024, 4-5 Jun 2024, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Abstract

Reducing the prevalence and consequences of anxiety following childbirth (postpartum anxiety) is a strategic priority in the UK and many similar nations; a comprehensive review of risk factors can support the development of interventions and guide further research. This registered systematic review was guided by ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ (PRISMA) and analysed using 'Synthesis Without Meta-analysis' (SWiM) to answer the question; ‘What factors have been reported to increase the risk of maternal postpartum anxiety (PPA) in Australia, Europe, and North America?’. MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for relevant research from Australia, Europe, and North America, published up to July 2021. Screening yielded 39 reports (total N = 40,238). Seven risk categories were identified (Psychopathology and personality, Social, Socio-demographic, Health, Cognitive, Pregnancy and birth, and Infant characteristics and postpartum experiences). Historic and concurrent depression, historic anxiety, and low social support were the most frequently evidenced risk factors. Findings synthesise new evidence of the risk factors associated with PPA, whilst the discussion highlights potentially modifiable factors as targets for intervention.

Viewing alternatives

Item Actions

Export

You can export this page using these formats