The Efficacy of Digital Cognitive–Behavioral Interventions in Supporting the Psychological Adjustment and Sleep Quality of Pregnant Women with Sub-Clinical Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Elisa Mancinelli, Giulia Bassi, Silvia Gabrielli and Silvia Salcuni
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Elisa Mancinelli: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35121 Padova, Italy
Giulia Bassi: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35121 Padova, Italy
Silvia Gabrielli: Digital Health Lab, Centre for Digital Health and Wellbeing, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy
Silvia Salcuni: Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35121 Padova, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-18

Abstract: The present meta-analysis investigated the overall and differential efficacy of digital cognitive–behavioral therapies (CBTs) vs. third-generation CBTs deployed to pregnant women in reducing sub-clinical depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms while fostering sleep quality and quality of life. A PRISMA-guided systematic search was used, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the above-mentioned interventions. Data were pooled using either the mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD). Sub-group analyses were carried out when appropriate. The primary outcomes were depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as well as sleep quality and quality of life. The interventions’ acceptability was evaluated through the odds ratio (OR) of drop-out rates. Seven RCTs were included, comprising 1873 pregnant women. The results showed the interventions’ efficacy in terms of reducing depression symptoms (SMD = −0.36, CI = 0.61, −0.11, k = 9) at the endpoint, although it was not maintained at follow-up during the postpartum period. The interventions’ efficacy in terms of reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD = 1.96, CI = −2.72, −1.21, k = 3) at the endpoint was also significant, while having no effect on sleep quality. The interventions were well accepted (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 0.84, 3.35; k = 7). Although no sound conclusions can be drawn concerning the joint or differential efficacy of the considered interventions, this study was useful in highlighting the need to develop evidence-based digital prevention programs for pregnant women with sub-clinical symptoms.

Keywords: treatment efficacy; pregnancy; sub-clinical symptoms; psychological adjustment; sleep quality; digital interventions; cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT); third-generation CBT; meta-analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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