Magnitude and associated factors of common mental disorders among pregnant women during COVID-19 in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Mar 14;104(11):e41842. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041842.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women have multiple psychological distresses and are psychologically fragile. In Ethiopia due to COVID-19 anxiety, depression and stress among pregnant women were increased. This study aimed to provide comprehensive data on the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders during COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

METHODS: Data were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online from the December 2019 to August 2024. Two researchers extracted the data and accomplished the methodological quality valuation independently. Random-effect model used to estimate the pooled effect size and I2 and Q-statistic were used to check heterogeneity. Stata 14.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, Texas, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. From 6 studies the pooled prevalence of anxiety was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37 to 0.57, I2 = 96.00%, P < .001). Five studies reported about depression and the pooled prevalence was 32% (95% CI = 0.22 to 0.42, I2 = 96.00%, P < .001). Four studies reported about stress and the pooled prevalence was 26% (95% CI = 0.21 to 0.32, I2 = 94.7%, P < .001). Moreover, the associated factors of anxiety, depression and stress are summarized systematically.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic highly affects mental health of pregnant women in Ethiopia. Anxiety, depression and stress were most reported mental health problems during the pandemic. Appropriate psychological counseling programs should be applied for pregnant women to prevent mental health problems.

PMID:40101069 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000041842