The Effect of Psych-education on Fear of Childbirth and Postpartum Outcome: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

Aim: Although there are some studies examining the effects of psycho-education on fear of childbirth and outcomes in the postpartum period, high-quality evidence is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the effects of psycho-education on fear of childbirth and postpartum outcomes. Methods: The literature search was completed by a comprehensive and systematic search of the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Science Citation Index (Web of Science) databases until December 2022. Outcome data including the effect of psycho-education on fear of childbirth, labor and birth outcomes were collected for analysis. In the preparation of the systematic review and metaanalysis, the guidelines in the Cochrane Interventions Manual of Systematic Reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA) were based on the recommendations of the guidelines followed. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager computer program (Version 5.3). Cochrane risk-of-bias tools were used in the quality assessment of the studies. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis: all 8 studies were combined for fear of childbirth. In the meta-analysis, it was seen that psycho-education decreased the fear of birth (MD: 10.18 95% CI: 9.32 to 11.05, Z = 23.09, p < 0.00001) in pregnant women when the anxiety and depression rate (SMD: -0.36 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.15, Z = 3.34, p=0.0008) were examined, it was seen that there was no difference in depression, it decreased the cesarean section (SMD: -0.35 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.22, Z = 5.19, p<0.00001) rate and increased the self-efficacy (SMD: 0.38 95% CI:0.25 to 0.51, Z =5.58 p <0.00001) rate. Conclusion: This study provides sufficient evidence that psycho-education is effective in reducing fear of childbirth, anxiety, and cesarean section rates, while increasing self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]