Maternal Mental Health in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Interventions for Common Perinatal Mental Health Disorders
Research Square (Research Square)(2023)
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Common Perinatal Mental Disorders affect women and children across the world. Rates are high in sub-Saharan Africa, however studies on interventions are limited. Highlighting existing and upcoming practice to support maternal mental health services is imperative. Method We conducted a systematic review, yielding a large array of papers covering 32 low- and lower-middle income countries across sub-Saharan Africa. No time limit was placed on publication and study protocols and results papers were included. Results Twelve articles from 8 different countries were included in our review; Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Most interventions took a psychotherapeutic approach, two included a pharmaceutical component. Half the studies detailed adapted approaches to ensure cultural acceptance. Effectiveness was limited; 3 studies showed a significant impact, only one of which had a large effect size. Conclusion Evidence remains limited and efforts should be made to support the implementation and generation of evidence in a wide variety of countries and contexts. Task-shifting was a common approach, though services were delivered at health facility level rather than in communities. Scaling-up effective holistic approaches to maternal mental health and child wellbeing remains an area of need.
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Key words
mental health,africa,interventions,systematic review,sub-saharan
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