Systematic review and meta-analysis of psychoeducation on the psychological and social impact among first-time mothers.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence of the effectiveness of psychoeducation in improving self-efficacy and social support and reducing depression and anxiety in first-time mothers. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on nine databases, grey literature, and trial registries for randomised controlled trials published from the databases' inception to 27 December 2021. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias. RevMan 5.4 was used for the meta-analyses of all outcomes. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. Overall evidence quality was appraised using GRADE approach. RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 2083 first-time mothers were included. The meta-analyses favoured psychoeducation as compared to control groups. At immediate post-intervention, statistically significant increments were seen in self-efficacy and social support, while a significant reduction in depression was observed but not in anxiety. At three months postpartum, a statistically significant decrease in depression was observed, but the effects on self-efficacy and social support were insignificant. CONCLUSION: Psychoeducation improved first-time mothers' self-efficacy, social support, and depression. However, the evidence was very uncertain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Psychoeducation might be incorporated into patient education of first-time mothers. More studies with familial and digital-based psychoeducation interventions, especially in non-Asian countries, are needed.

Perceptions of physical activity during pregnancy among women: A descriptive qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions on physical activity during pregnancy among pregnant and postpartum women in Singapore. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the main themes associated with women's perceptions of physical activity during pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Twenty-two women were recruited from a tertiary hospital specializing in healthcare for women and children in Singapore. FINDINGS: Two themes and five subthemes were generated. The themes were "From what I know" about physical activity to actual physical activity and "What keeps and stops me from moving". Women lacked awareness of the recommended guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy. Factors such as support systems, informational support and the benefits associated with physical activity influenced women's physical activity behavior. Factors such as fear of harming the fetus, physical discomforts and family commitments deterred women from participating in physical activity. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Women lacked understanding of the optimal physical activity needed during pregnancy. The findings in this study highlight the need for improved physical activity education and social support during pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Given the potential health benefits of staying active during pregnancy, healthcare professionals and administrators need to promote physical activity among pregnant women to improve both mothers' and newborns' health outcomes.