Published online Apr 19, 2020. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v10.i4.71
Peer-review started: December 26, 2019
First decision: February 19, 2020
Revised: March 3, 2020
Accepted: March 25, 2020
Article in press: March 25, 2020
Published online: April 19, 2020
Processing time: 112 Days and 12.6 Hours
Various language versions of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression (EPDS) have been validated in India. The summary global diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of these versions was established.
The diagnosis of postnatal depression (PND) is often missed or misdiagnosed. This affects both the mother and the baby, with significant morbidity. The widely used EPDS in India has to be proven for the early identification of PND.
The aim of this meta-analysis was to document the summary diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the various language versions of EPDS in India.
Seven studies were included in the analysis following the PRISMA guidelines. We used Area Under the Characteristic Curve of the Hierarchical Summary Receiver Operating Curve, with random effect model, to summarize the diagnostic accuracy of EPDS; Fagan’s nomogram was used for calculating clinical utility.
The global diagnostic accuracy of EPDS, as ascertained by Area Under the Characteristic Curve of the Hierarchical Summary Receiver Operating Curve, was 0.97 (95%CI: 0.95-0.98). For a PND prevalence of 22%, the positive post-test probability was 72% (95%CI: 68%, 76%) and the negative post-test probability was 2% (95%CI: 1%, 3%).
We established the summary global diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the various versions of EPDS. The EPDS is effective in the early identification of PND.
The EPDS in its various versions in India could be used for the scaling-up of PND treatment. The specific diagnostic parameters need to be further studied.