Background: Stress and anxiety, during pregnancy and up to two years after childbirth can arise from multiple factors and contribute to increased risks of adverse physical and psychological outcomes for women and their babies. Many interventions exist to prevent and reduce levels of stress during this timeframe. While reviews have been conducted to look at the effects of these interventions, no review has been done looking at the experiences of women participating in these interventions.
Aim: The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) is to explore women’s experiences of participating in interventions delivered to prevent or reduce stress among parents in period from conception to two years postpartum.
Methods: This QES will be guided by the chapter on Qualitative Evidence in the Cochrane Handbook and reported in line with the ENTREQ Statement. The studies for inclusion in this review will be identified by the wider team prior to the start of the scholarship. The QES methods of data extraction, quality assessment and synthesis are the focus for this scholarship. With the support of the supervisor, data extraction will be conducted using a pre-designed form. Quality Assessments will be made using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Quality Assessment Tool for Qualitative Research. Data Synthesis will be guided by Thomas and Harden’s method of Thematic Synthesis.
Key Outputs: The findings of this study will be presented in a ‘Research Snapshot’. This is a one-page document that concisely presents the research findings in an accessible manner (and may, for example include an infographic). A paper reporting the study will also be drafted. It is proposed that this QES, by presenting the experiences of women, will contribute to the development of interventions to reduce stress during pregnancy and up to two years after the birth.
