Effect of peer support intervention on perinatal depression: A meta-analysis.

Background: To assess the effect of peer support on preventing or treating perinatal depression.

Methods: Eight databases (Wanfang, VIP, CNKI, CBM, Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane) were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials from inception to July 2021. Two reviewers critically and independently assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted correlated data using the designed extraction form.

Results: A total of 16 studies (including 3154 participants, peer support group: 1568, control group: 1586) were included in this meta-analysis. The intervention group (peer support) had significantly better effect on preventing or treating perinatal depression than the control group [SMD = -0.39, 95% CI (-0.54, -0.24), P < 0.00001, I = 78%]. The results of subgroup analyses showed that peer support interventions provided in the perinatal period [SMD = -0.51, 95% CI (-0.93, -0.09), P = 0.02] or only in the postpartum period could improve the depression of mothers [SMD = -0.44, 95% CI (-0.62, -0.26), P < 0.00001]. Face-to-face interventions [SMD = -0.28, 95% CI (-0.40, -0.15), P < 0.0001] and telephone/internet-based interventions [SMD = -0.73, 95% CI (-0.95, -0.50), P < 0.00001] were both effective for perinatal depression. As for form of intervention, the combination of individual and group sessions had the best effect on improving perinatal depression [SMD = -0.63, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.23), P = 0.002]. Peer support with the frequency of at least once a week had a significant effect on perinatal depression [SMD = -0.88, 95% CI (-1.32, -0.44), P < 0.0001]. Interventions with a length of ≤3 months [SMD = -2.20, 95% CI (-3.35, -1.04), P = 0.0002] worked better than those lasting for 3-36 months [SMD = -1.64, 95% CI (-2.38, -0.90), P < 0.0001] in perinatal depression management. Peer support could improve perinatal depression both in low- and middle-income countries [SMD = -0.70, 95% CI (-0.95, -0.45), P < 0.00001] and high-income countries [SMD = -0.15, 95% CI (-0.28, -0.02), P = 0.03].

Conclusions: Providing peer support during the perinatal period or only postpartum period, using Internet or telephone approaches, a combination of group and individual, at least once a week can be regarded as an effective measure to manage perinatal depression.