SHBC1167
L.J.CHENG1, K.Y.YEN1, S.H.WONG2, J.Y.CHENG1, Y.LAU1
National University of Singapore1, Alexandra Hospital2
Several reviews focused on the application of digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) across different populations, but relatively few summarized its application in perinatal women. This review summarizes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of digital CBT on depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms.
An extensive search was conducted in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses from inception until 28 December 2020. A meta-analysis using random-effects models was performed using Hedges’ g. Subgroup analyses and multivariable meta-regression analysis were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.
A total of 18 RCTs in 2514 perinatal women were identified from over 23 countries. Meta-analyses showed that digital CBT significantly improved depressive (g = 0.58), anxiety (g = 0.27), and stress (g = 0.75) symptoms at post-intervention and depressive (g = 0.39) and stress (g = 0.52) symptoms at follow-up compared with the control group. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses highlighted that the intervention using a mobile application with ≥ 8 sessions and > 6 weeks duration was effective among young and high-risk postnatal women.
The sample size in the selected RCTs was small, and the overall quality of the evidence was very low. Digital CBT is effective for perinatal women in alleviating psychological outcomes. This review suggests a preferable design to optimize the intervention effect. Further well-designed RCTs with large sample sizes are necessary.
