Title
Effects of skin-to-skin contact on mental health outcomes in the parents of full-term newborns: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Date Issued
15 January 2025
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
research article
Author(s)
Universidad Científica del Sur
Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana
Universidad Científica del Sur
Universidad de San Martín de Porres
Universidad de San Martín de Porres
Universidad Continental
Universidad Científica del Sur
EviSalud – Evidencias en Salud
EviSalud – Evidencias en Salud
Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Abstract
Background: The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging for parents, with documented levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. While the benefits of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) are well-known, its impact on the mental health of parents of full-term newborns has been less studied. Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of SSC in mental health outcomes in the parents of full-term newborns. Methods: In this systematic review, a comprehensive search was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing SSC versus no SSC and assessing mental health outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed whenever possible, and the GRADE approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. Results: We included 9 RCTs with 1201 participants. Regarding the risk of bias, the most affected domains were selective reporting, blinding, and allocation concealment. Regarding parental anxiety, SSC may reduce it at short-term, while it is unsure its effect at mid-term and it may not have any effect at long-term. Regarding Psychological stress, SSC may not have an impact at mid- and long-term. Regarding delivery-related post-traumatic stress symptoms, SSC may not have an impact at short-, mid-, and long-term. Regarding depressive symptoms, the evidence is uncertain at short- and mid-term. Limitations: For the assessed outcomes, certainty of the evidence was low or very low. Conclusion: SSC may reduce parental anxiety at short-term, while it may not have an impact in psychological stress and delivery-related post-traumatic stress symptoms. Moreover, the evidence is uncertain regarding its effect in long-term anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Start page
1090
End page
1098
Volume
369
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85207313588
PubMed ID
Source
Journal of Affective Disorders
ISSN of the container
15732517
Sources of information: Scopus 4.03.2025 Scopus 4.03.2025