Systematic review and meta-analysis of non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety in pregnant women

AimTo assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety. BackgroundMany pregnant women experience mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and could benefit from additional support. Non-pharmacological interventions have been suggested for use during pregnancy. DesignA systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Data sourcesRandomized controlled trials published since 1990, identified from electronic databases: Medline; CINAHL; Maternity and Infant Care; PsycINFO; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; CENTRAL; EMBASE; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; Social Sciences Citation Index; ASSIA; HTA Library; Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice database; Allied and Complementary Medicine. Review methodsConducted according to the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination procedure. Papers were screened (N=5,222), assessed for eligibility (N=57) and selected for inclusion (N=25). The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used. Papers were assessed for clinical and statistical heterogeneity and considered for meta-analysis. Descriptive analysis of the data was conducted. ResultsPsychological, mind-body, educational and supportive interventions were delivered individually and to groups of pregnant women over single or multiple sessions. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was the most commonly used anxiety measure. In 60% of studies there were fewer than 40 participants. Meta-analysis of three studies indicated no observed beneficial effect in the reduction of anxiety. ConclusionThere was insufficient evidence from which to draw overall conclusions regarding the benefit of interventions. Results were predominantly based on small samples. Many papers provided an inadequate description of methods which prevented a full assessment of methodological quality.