Effectiveness of Telehealth Care Interventions for Women's Mental Health During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Serena Kao, Athina Marina Metaxa, Ranin Soliman
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for improving mental health outcomes in women during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing 57 studies with 13,457 participants, the results indicated significant reductions in depression (Hedges g = -0.56), anxiety (Hedges g = -0.45), and stress (Hedges g = -0.25), with moderate certainty of evidence due to heterogeneity and risk of bias.
Key findings
- Telehealth interventions led to a moderate reduction in depression symptoms (Hedges g = -0.56).
- Anxiety symptoms showed a small to moderate reduction (Hedges g = -0.45).
- Stress reduction was modest (Hedges g = -0.25).
- Subgroup analyses favored telehealth over waitlist and standard care for both depression and anxiety.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential of telehealth as an effective means to address mental health issues in women, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach may enhance access to care and improve outcomes for a vulnerable population.
What to keep in mind
Evidence certainty was downgraded due to high heterogeneity, risk of bias, and methodological limitations.