Prevalence of anxiety and associated factors among pregnant women in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety among pregnant women in East Africa. Additionally, the review seeks to identify the associated risk factors contributing to anxiety during pregnancy within this region.

STUDY

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine anxiety among pregnant women in East Africa. PubMed, HINARI, Google scholar, and direct Google were searched to retrieve relevant studies. The pooled magnitude of anxiety during pregnancy was estimated using DerSimonian and Laird's random-effects model. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines were used. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel sheet and STATA/SE 17 was used for meta-analysis. Using Q and the I2 test, heterogeneity among the studies was assessed. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to test the small study effect.

RESULTS

A total of 64 studies were initially identified and evaluated. Of these, ten eligible articles with 4023 participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of anxiety in East Africa was 29 % (95 % CI; 17 %-40 %).

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrated the high prevalence of anxiety during pregnancy among East African women. and it was significantly associated with having intimate partner violence, primary education status, having unwanted pregnancy, unmarried marital status, poor social support, history of depression, and prim gravidity. It is highly recommended that mental health and maternity services be integrated.