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Psychological issues usually accompany the pregnancy of first-time mothers, and psychoeducational interventions might be effective in addressing these concerns and preparing first-time mothers for childbirth and the postnatal period. This study aimed to identify, analyze, and synthesize the components and determine the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions that are used for managing psychological issues and enhancing birth preparedness among primigravid women or couples in low- and middle-income countries. A systematic search of 12 databases (APA PsycINFO, EmCare, Embase, MEDLINE(R), Ovid Nursing, British Nursing Index, Health Cohen's d or Hedges’ g=0.2–1.9) on certain psychological outcomes, including childbirth attitude, fear of childbirth, depression, fear, and anxiety, and birth preparedness outcomes. Although first-time mothers experience a range of psychological issues during pregnancy, psychoeducational interventions were beneficial in addressing their psychological concerns. It would seem that these interventions are less expensive and could be easily implemented in low- and middle-income countries. However, rigorous research, such as randomized controlled trials, is hereby warranted to standardize the interventions and outcome assessment tools.
Tola et al. (Mon,) studied this question.