Systematic review and meta-analysis of psychoeducation on the psychological and social impact among first-time mothers

This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence of the effectiveness of psychoeducation in improving self-efficacy and social support and reducing depression and anxiety in first-time mothers. A comprehensive search was conducted on nine databases, grey literature, and trial registries for randomised controlled trials published from the databases' inception to 27 December 2021. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias. RevMan 5.4 was used for the meta-analyses of all outcomes. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. Overall evidence quality was appraised using GRADE approach. Twelve studies involving 2083 first-time mothers were included. The meta-analyses favoured psychoeducation as compared to control groups. At immediate post-intervention, statistically significant increments were seen in self-efficacy and social support, while a significant reduction in depression was observed but not in anxiety. At three months postpartum, a statistically significant decrease in depression was observed, but the effects on self-efficacy and social support were insignificant. Psychoeducation improved first-time mothers’ self-efficacy, social support, and depression. However, the evidence was very uncertain. Psychoeducation might be incorporated into patient education of first-time mothers. More studies with familial and digital-based psychoeducation interventions, especially in non-Asian countries, are needed. •Psychoeducation improved immediate post-test self-efficacy.•Psychoeducation improved immediate post-test social support.•Psychoeducation reduced immediate post-test and 3-month postpartum depression.•Psychoeducation did not reduce immediate post-test anxiety.•The evidence of the effects of psychoeducation was very uncertain.