Non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety in pregnant women. A systematic review and narrative synthesis of women's views on the acceptability of and satisfaction with interventions.
Study Goal
To assess women's views on the acceptability and satisfaction of non-pharmacological interventions, including mindfulness, for reducing anxiety symptoms in pregnant women.
Results Summary
Women's views on mindfulness and other interventions were overwhelmingly positive, with perceived benefits from peer support and individual discussions. However, the review noted limitations due to small study numbers and varied methodologies.
Population
Pregnant women, including those from general antenatal populations and those with anxiety/depression symptoms or risk factors.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
cognitive behavioural therapy | increase | acceptability and satisfaction | pregnant women | - | overwhelmingly positive views on acceptability and satisfaction | #1 |
mindfulness | increase | acceptability and satisfaction | pregnant women | - | overwhelmingly positive views on acceptability and satisfaction | #2 |
yoga | increase | acceptability and satisfaction | pregnant women | - | overwhelmingly positive views on acceptability and satisfaction | #3 |
psychological assessment | increase | acceptability and satisfaction | pregnant women | - | overwhelmingly positive views on acceptability and satisfaction | #4 |
supportive and educational based interventions | increase | acceptability and satisfaction | pregnant women | - | overwhelmingly positive views on acceptability and satisfaction | #5 |
peer support | increase | benefit | pregnant women | - | benefit women perceived | #6 |
individual discussions of their situation | increase | benefit | pregnant women | - | benefit women perceived | #7 |
To assess women's views on the acceptability of and satisfaction with non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the symptoms of anxiety in pregnant women. A systematic review and narrative synthesis (Prospero protocol number CRD42015017841). Fourteen included studies were conducted in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, UK and USA. Interventions were cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, yoga, psychological assessment, supportive and educational based interventions. Studies included women from general antenatal populations and women with anxiety or depression symptoms or risk factors for anxiety or depression. The findings were limited due to the small number of studies evaluating different types of interventions using various study methods. Some studies had too little procedural reporting to allow a full quality assessment. Women's views on the acceptability of and satisfaction with interventions were overwhelmingly positive. The review highlights women's motivations for and barriers to participation as well as the benefit women perceived from peer support and individual discussions of their situation. Interventions need to be further evaluated in randomised controlled trials. The inclusion of women's views and experiences illuminates how and why intervention components contribute to outcomes. Women's initial concerns about psychological screening and the benefit derived from peer support and individual discussion should be noted by providers of maternity care.