scholarly journals Childhood Obesity and Overweight in Ghana: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prince Kwaku Akowuah ◽  
Emmanuel Kobia-Acquah
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Obesity And Overweight

The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight is considered a public health issue in both developed and developing countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight in Ghana. A multiple database search was conducted for articles published between January 1, 2001, and October 31, 2019, reporting the prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight in Ghana. Databases searched include PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, World Health Organization (WHO) Library Information System, and Africa Journals Online. Data were pooled from the articles to calculate an overall estimate of childhood obesity and overweight using a random-effects model after variance stabilization with Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Sixteen studies with a combined sample size of 29,160 were included in the review. Analysis indicates that approximately 19% of children in Ghana either have obesity or are overweight. The prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight was 8.6% (95% CI: 4.8%–13.4%) and 10.7% (95% CI: 5.9%–16.6%), respectively. Although not significant, higher obesity (4.6% vs. 2.6%) and overweight (11.0% vs. 7.2%) prevalence were estimated for females than for males. There was a significantly higher obesity prevalence estimate (17.4% vs. 8.9%) in rural settings than in urban settings (p=0.0255). The high prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight estimated in this review is of worrying concern. It is a significant public health problem that has implications on the health of present and future generations in Ghana and as such calls for proactive measures to be put in place. Also, the driving forces behind the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in Ghana need to be investigated.

scholarly journals Anemia as a risk factor for tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yemataw Gelaw ◽  
Zegeye Getaneh ◽  
Mulugeta Melku
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Mesh Terms

Abstract Background Tuberculosis is a major public health problem caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, occurring predominantly in population with low socioeconomic status. It is the second most common cause of death from infectious diseases. Tuberculosis becomes a double burden among anemic patients. Anemia increases an individual’s susceptibility to infectious diseases including tuberculosis by reducing the immunity level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether anemia is a risk factor for tuberculosis. Method Relevant published articles were searched in electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library using the following MeSH terms: risk factor, predictors, tuberculosis, TB, Anaemia, Anemia, hemoglobin, Hgb, and Hb. Articles written in the English, observational studies conducted on the incidence/prevalence of tuberculosis among anemic patients, or papers examined anemia as risk factors for tuberculosis were included. From those studies meeting eligibility criteria, the first author’s name, publication year, study area, sample size and age of participants, study design, and effect measure of anemia for tuberculosis were extracted. The data were entered using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata version 11 for analysis. The random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled OR and HR, and 95% CI. The sources of heterogeneity were tested by Cochrane I-squared statistics. The publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test statistics. Results A total of 17 articles with a 215,294 study participants were included in the analysis. The odd of tuberculosis among anemic patients was 3.56 (95% CI 2.53–5.01) times higher than non-anemic patients. The cohort studies showed that the HR of tuberculosis was 2.01 (95% CI 1.70–2.37) times higher among anemic patients than non-anemic patients. The hazard of tuberculosis also increased with anemia severity (HR 1.37 (95% CI 0.92–2.05), 2.08 (95% CI 1.14–3.79), and 2.66 (95% CI 1.71–4.13) for mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively). Conclusion According to the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we can conclude that anemia was a risk factor for tuberculosis. Therefore, anemia screening, early diagnose, and treatment should be provoked in the community to reduce the burden of tuberculosis.

scholarly journals DHEA as a Biomarker of Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Dutheil ◽  
Sarah de Saint Vincent ◽  
Bruno Pereira ◽  
Jeannot Schmidt ◽  
Farès Moustafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Main Peak ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Two Measures

Background: Psychosocial stress is a significant public health problem inducing consequences for quality of life. Results about the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a biomarker of acute stress are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that DHEA levels could be a biomarker of stress.Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched on March 19, 2021 using the keywords “acute stress” AND “DHEA” OR “Dehydroepiandrosterone.” Articles needed to describe our primary outcome, i.e., induction of acute stress and at least two measures of DHEA.Results: We included 14 studies, with a total of 631 participants, in our meta-analysis. The DHEA levels increased overtime after acute stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.13–1.99]. Stratification by time showed a main peak at the end of stress (SMD = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.59–3.27), followed by a progressive decrease (coefficient = −0.11, 95%CI = −0.19 to −0.17, p = 0.020). There was no significant change 1 h after the end of acute stress. Metaregressions showed an impact of mental stress (SMD = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.43–2.65), sex (SMD = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.00–0.04), age (SMD = −0.12, 95%CI = −0.2 to −0.05), and obesity (SMD = 0.31, 95%CI = −0.00 to 0.63). There was no difference whatever the type of fluid (blood or saliva) and the measurement technique used.Conclusions: DHEA is a biomarker of acute stress, with a short-term increase (1 h). DHEA increases following acute mental stress, whatever the type and duration of mental stress. Women, young people, and obese individuals had a higher response. Blood and saliva measures were comparable.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors associated with birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255488
Author(s):  
Ritbano Ahmed ◽  
Hassen Mosa ◽  
Mohammed Sultan ◽  
Shamill Eanga Helill ◽  
Biruk Assefa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Birth Asphyxia ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Chronic Hypertension ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Background A number of primary studies in Ethiopia address the prevalence of birth asphyxia and the factors associated with it. However, variations were seen among those studies. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence and explore the factors that contribute to birth asphyxia in Ethiopia. Methods Different search engines were used to search online databases. The databases include PubMed, HINARI, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Relevant grey literature was obtained through online searches. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias, and the I-squared was applied to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that were conducted in Ethiopia were also be included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies and was included in this systematic review. Data entry and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14. Result After reviewing 1,125 studies, 26 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia was 19.3%. In the Ethiopian context, the following risk factors were identified: Antepartum hemorrhage(OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.1), premature rupture of membrane(OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 12.4, 6.6), primiparas(OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.1), prolonged labor(OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 6.6), maternal anaemia(OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.59, 9.94), low birth weight(OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 4.7,6.7), meconium stained amniotic fluid(OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 4.1, 7.5), abnormal presentation(OR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.8, 8.3), preterm birth(OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.9, 5.8), residing in a rural area (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.5), caesarean delivery(OR = 4.4; 95% CI:3.1, 6.2), operative vaginal delivery(OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.7), preeclampsia(OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.4), tight nuchal cord OR: 3.43; 95% CI: 2.1, 5.6), chronic hypertension(OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.8), and unable to write and read (OR = 4.2;95%CI: 1.7, 10.6). Conclusion According to the findings of this study, birth asphyxia is an unresolved public health problem in the Ethiopia. Therefore, the concerned body needs to pay attention to the above risk factors in order to decrease the country’s birth asphyxia. Review registration PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020165283).

Global Surge in Intimate Partner Violence after Mandatory Lockdown: Implications for Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Butool Hisam ◽  
Mohammad Nadir Haider ◽  
Ghazala Saleem ◽  
Admin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue

We are observing with great concern the global spread of the COVID19 Pandemic. What is equally alarming is a less visible, albeit serious Public health issue; one that the United Nations has dubbed as the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ [1]. This is none other than the globally prevalent issue of violence against women, particularly Intimate Partner Violence. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious, possibly preventable public health problem globally. Pakistan ranks among the countries with the highest IPV rates [2]. On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the highly infectious and lethal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic [3]. Drastic measures were enforced universally to curb the spread of COVID-19. Countries issued strict nationwide lockdowns to isolate the population and implemented social distancing. The economy was impacted tremendously, and many people experienced financial and emotional hardship during this mandatory confinement. While everyone was affected, one population was in a far worse situation than others. Survivors of IPV were trapped alongside their perpetrators and faced difficulty/less freedom to escape threatening situations compared to the past. It is not surprising given that historical periods of uncertainty such as war or economic crisis have resulted in increased interpersonal violence, including violence against women [4].  The Hubei province of China, the first region to undergo a lockdown, saw nearly a doubling of their rates of IPV with the start of COVID19 Pandemic.  Similarly, tragic stories gained nationwide coverage in the United States. IPV may also have risen in Pakistan, even if it is not being covered as extensively. During pandemics, fear causes us to minimize our personal needs and make sacrifices we would not normally make. This could be a reasonable approach for most but should not be for survivors of IPV. IPV survivors live in constant fear for themselves and their children; they are now devoid of their only means of mitigation; avoidance. Local woman’s support groups in Pakistan should act and spread awareness about this grim reality hiding underneath the Pandemic. Resources/funding should be made available for survivors to be able to reach out for support without having to leave the watchful eyes of their perpetrators. Public health officials ought to investigate and document the rise in IPV to help identify the leading causes of the increase. These steps will assist in developing crisis-specific guidelines to provide adequate resources for the future. Continuous....

scholarly journals Genes de resistencia en bacilos Gram negativos: Impacto en la salud pública en Colombia

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Paola López Velandia ◽  
María Inés Torres Caycedo ◽  
Carlos Fernando Prada Quiroga
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
The Cochrane Library

ResumenIntroducción: La resistencia antimicrobiana es un grave problema de salud pública que se encuentra en aumento. Entre los factores más importantes relacionados con la diseminación de bacterias multirresistentes está el uso inapropiado de antibióticos y la aplicación insuficiente de las medidas de prevención y control. Adicionalmente, las bacterias tienen la capacidad de mutar o generar mecanismos de transferencia de genes de resistencia mediante plásmidos, transposones e integrones. Materiales y métodos: Se hizo una revisión crítica de la literatura sobre los principales genes de resistencia Gram negativos y su impacto en la salud pública. Fueron utilizadas las bases de datos de Medline, Embase, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO, the Cochrane Library y Lilacs. Resultados: Se presenta una revisión de literatura que describe y analiza los principales genes de resistencia a antibióticos presentes en bacilos gram negativos, su origen, evolución y diseminación a microorganismos mediante la transferencia horizontal de genes; justificando la importancia de realizar una vigilancia epidemiológica del tránsito de clones con diferentes perfiles de resistencia y principales enzimas. Conclusiones: El seguimiento de la resistencia antimicrobiana desde el punto de vista de la epidemiología molecular forma parte transcendental de la vigilancia antibiótica como lo recomienda la Organización Mundial de la Salud; pues representa el futuro del monitoreo de la resistencia.AbstractIntroduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health problem that is increasing. Among the most important factors related to the spread of multi-resistant bacteria are the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the insufficient  implementation of prevention and control measures. Additionally, bacteria have the ability to mutate or create mechanisms for transfer of resistance genes via plasmids, transposons and integrons. Materials and methods: A critical review of the literature on major resistance genes in Gram negative bacteria and its impact on public health was conducted. Data have been collected from Medline, Embase, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Lilacs. Results: A review of literature that describes and analyzes the main antibiotic resistance genes present in gram-negative bacilli is presented, as well as their origin, evolution, and subsequent spread to hundreds of species of microorganisms by Horizontal gene transfer which justifies the importance of conducting an epidemiological surveillance on transit of clones with different resistance profiles and major enzymes. Conclusions: The control of antimicrobial resistance from the point of view of molecular epidemiology is part of the antibiotic surveillance control as recommended by the World Health Organization; as it represents the future of the surveillance of resistance.

scholarly journals Impact of social distancing measures for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Regmi ◽  
Cho Mar Lwin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
List Type ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIntroductionSocial distancing measures (SDMs) protect public health from the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the impact of SDMs has been inconsistent and unclear. This study aims to assess the effects of SDMs (e.g. isolation, quarantine) for reducing the transmission of COVID-19.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review meta-analysis research of both randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled trials. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied & Complementary Medicine, COVID-19 Research and WHO database on COVID-19 for primary studies assessing the effects of SDMs (e.g. isolation, quarantine) for reducing the transmission of COVID-19, and will be reported in accordance with PRISMA statement. The PRISMA-P checklist will be used while preparing this protocol. We will use Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines (JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists) to assess the methodological qualities and synthesised performing thematic analysis. Two reviewers will independently screen the papers and extracted data. If sufficient data are available, the random-effects model for meta-analysis will be performed to measure the effect size of SDMs or the strengths of relationships. To assess the heterogeneity of effects, I2 together with the observed effects (Q-value, with degrees of freedom) will be used to provide the true effects in the analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval and consent will not be required for this systematic review of the literature as it does not involve human participation. We will be able to disseminate the study findings using the following strategies: we will be publishing at least one paper in peer-reviewed journals, and an abstract will be presented at suitable national/international conferences or workshops. We will also share important information with public health authorities as well as with the World Health Organization. In addition, we may post the submitted manuscript under review to bioRxiv, medRxiv, or other relevant pre-print servers.Strengths and limitations of this studyTo our knowledge, this study will be the first systematic review to examine the impact of social distancing measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19.This study will offer highest level of evidence for informed decisions, drawing a broader framework.This protocol reduces the possibility of duplication, provides transparency to the methods and procedures that will be used, minimise potential biases and allows peer-review.This research is not externally funded, and therefore time and resource will be constrained.If included studies will be variable in sample size, quality and population, which may open to bias, and the heterogeneity of data will preclude a meaningful meta-analysis to measure the impact of specific SDMs

Prevalence of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery:A systematic review and meta-analysis on risk factors and different diagnostic criterias(AKIN,RIFLE,KDIGO)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alii Alidadii ◽  
Morteza Salarzaei ◽  
Fatem Parooe
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Total Prevalence

Abstract Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence and some of risk factors of AKI after cardiac surgery using all three diagnostic criteria (AKIN,RIFLE, and KIDGO).Method: We searched for published literature in the English language in MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASETM via Ovid, The Cochrane Library, and Trip database. For literature published in other languages, we searched national databases (Magiran and SID) , KoreaMed and LILACS, and we searched OpenGrey (www.opengrey.eu/) and the World Health Organization Clinical Trials Registry (who.int/ictrp) for unpublished literature and ongoing studies.To ensure the literature saturation, the list of the included research references or the relevant reviews found by searching was studied(MS). The keywords used in the search strategy were Acute kidney injury,acute renal failure, creatinine,cardiac surgery,heart surgury, Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG),valve replacement,RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss, end-stage renal disease) ,Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN),KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) , which were combined using the AND, OR, and NOT operators.Results: A total of 33298 patients who had undergone the cardiac surgery were studied. Based on the random effect model the total prevalence of AKI in 33298 patients undergone the heart surgery was 26.3% (95% confidence interval[CI]:26.1%,26.6%, I2=99.5%). the total prevalence of AKI in patients undergone cardiac surgery based on AKIN criteria was 21.6% (95% CI –21.2%, 22.1%,I2=98.5%) of whom 21.6% (95% CI-21.2%,22.1%,I2=98.5%) were classified as AKIN stage 1, whereas 3% (95% CI-2.7%%,3.4%%,I2=90.6%) were classified as AKIN stage 2, and 3.2% (95% CI-3.0%%,3.4%%,I2=97.2%) were classified as AKIN stage 3. the total prevalence of AKI in patients undergone cardiac surgery based on RIFLE criteria was 26.0%% (95% CI –25.6%, 26.5%,I2=99.4%). total prevalence of AKI in patients undergone cardiac surgery based on KDIGO criteria was 34.7% (95% CI –33.8%, 35.7%,I2=98.4%). the highest prevalence of AKI in patients undergone cardiac surgery was in Brazil 45.7% (95% CI –43.6%, 47.8%) based on 3 articles included followed by USA with a prevalence of 29.6%(95% CI –28.7%, 29.4%) based on 7 articles included, Uruguay with a prevalence of 36.1%(95% CI –35%, 37.2%) based on 1 article, Canada with a prevalence of 16.7%(95% CI –15.7%, 17.6%) based on 4 articles included and Italy with a prevalence of 10.6%(95% CI –9.8%, 11.3%) based on 3 articles included.Conclusion: AKI after cardiac surgery is a common symptom, although most often more severe in elderly patients. The prevalence of AKI after cardiac surgery based on KDIGO criteria was found to be higher than RIFLE and AKIN. The prevalence of AKI regardless of the definition used showed a decreasing trend from 2009 to 2019. Our findings pointed to the superiority of the KDIGO criterion over RIFLE and AKIN for diagnosing and evaluating AKI after cardiac surgery. However, the widespread acceptance of consensus definitions ( RIFLE and AKIN criteria) for AKI is still reflected in the studies. In order to progress further, establishment of a uniform definition for AKI seems necessary.

scholarly journals Prevalence and trends of thinness, overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 3–18 years across Europe: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e018241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Garrido-Miguel ◽  
Iván Cavero-Redondo ◽  
Celia Álvarez-Bueno ◽  
Fernando Rodriguez-Artalejo ◽  
Luis Moreno Aznar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
European Region ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence

IntroductionIncreasing prevalence of both thinness and excess weight during childhood and adolescence is a significant public health issue because of short-term health consequences and long-term tracking of weight status. Monitoring weight status in Europe may serve to identify countries and regions where rates of these disorders are either slowing down or increasing to evaluate recent policies aimed at appropriate body weight, and to direct future interventions. This study protocol provides a standardised and transparent methodology to improve estimating trends of thinness, overweight and obesity in children aged 3–18 years and adolescents across the European region between 2000 and 2017.Methods and analysisThis protocol is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. To identify relevant studies, a search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. From the selected studies, relevant references will be screened as supplemental sources. Finally, open search in websites from health institutions will be conducted to identify weight status data not published in scientific journals. Cross-sectional, follow-up studies and panel surveys reporting weight status (objectively measured height and weight) according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria, and written in English or Spanish will be included. Subgroup analyses will be carried out by gender, age, study year and country or European region.DiscussionThis study will provide a comprehensive description of weight status of children and adolescents across Europe from 2000 to 2017. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. This study will use data exclusively from published research or institutional literature, so institutional ethical approval is not required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017056917.

scholarly journals Does aerobic exercise reduce postpartum depressive symptoms? a systematic review and meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (663) ◽  
pp. e684-e691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Victoria Pritchett ◽  
Amanda J Daley ◽  
Kate Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Organization

BackgroundThere is currently no specific guidance on the role of exercise in managing postpartum depression in the UK and US, and international guidance is inconsistent.AimTo assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on postpartum depressive symptoms.Design and settingSystematic review and meta-analysis. There was no restriction to study site or setting.MethodThe databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched. Titles and abstracts, then full-text articles, were screened against inclusion criteria: RCTs measuring depressive symptoms in mothers ≤1 year postpartum; and interventions designed to increase aerobic exercise compared with usual care or other comparators. Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted. Pre-planned subgroup analyses explored heterogeneity.ResultsThirteen RCTs were included, with 1734 eligible participants. Exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms when all trials were combined (standardised mean difference −0.44; 95% confidence interval = −0.75 to −0.12). Exploration of heterogeneity did not find significant differences in effect size between women with possible depression and in general postpartum populations; exercise only and exercise with co-interventions; and group exercise and exercise counselling.ConclusionThis systematic review provides support for the effectiveness of exercise in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms. Group exercise, participant-chosen exercise, and exercise with co-interventions all may be effective interventions. These results should be interpreted with caution because of substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias.

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