Influence of mHealth-Based Lifestyle Interventions on Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression of Women With Gestational Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Mobile health (mHealth)-based lifestyle interventions have been shown to be effective in improving glycemic control of these women. Purpose/Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of mHealth-based lifestyle interventions on symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with GDM. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis or randomized controlled trials. Setting: Clinical or community-based settings. Sample: Nine studies involving 1,168 pregnant women with GDM were included. Intervention: mHealth-based lifestyle interventions. Measures: Symptoms of anxiety and depression quantitatively analyzed in clinical scales. Analysis: A systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to obtain relevant randomized controlled studies. A random-effects model was used to pool the results by incorporating the impact of the potential heterogeneity. Results: Findings revealed that when compared to usual care, women who received mHealth-based lifestyle interventions had significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.55, 95% CI [−0.77, −0.33], p < .001; I 2 = 67%) and depression (SMD: −0.51, [−0.72, −0.29], p < .001; I 2 = 65%). Sensitivity analyses by excluding one study at a time showed consistent results. Subgroup analyses showed similar results in mHealth achieved by phone, websites, and applications, in mHealth targeting diet and exercise with and without psychological support, in mHealth lead by nurse with and without other clinical specialists, and in studies with different evaluating tools for anxiety and depression. Conclusions: mHealth-based lifestyle interventions could significantly improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with GDM.