Risk and protective factors associated with perinatal psychopathology in mothers and fathers: Registered report of an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Background: This study protocol outlines an umbrella review of meta-analyses to assess risk and protective factors associated with perinatal psychopathology in mothers and fathers. Perinatal mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are prevalent, yet comprehensive reviews of contributory factors remain limited. Identifying key risk and protective factors is essential for improving interventions and clinical care during the transition to parenthood. Method: We will conduct a systematic search using EBSCOhost and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies will include quantitative meta-analyses of observational research published in peer-reviewed journals. Narrative reviews, single studies, protocols, books, book chapters, theses, and grey literature will be excluded. Study overlap will be managed by selecting the meta-analysis with the largest number of primary studies when multiple meta-analyses exist for the same PICO combination. Statistical analyses will calculate summary effect estimates, confidence intervals, heterogeneity, and small study effects. The quality of included studies will be assessed using AMSTAR 2. To establish a hierarchy of evidence, the credibility of each risk and protective factor will be rated as “convincing”, “highly suggestive”, “suggestive”, “weak”, and “not significant” in relation to its respective psychopathological outcome. Results: Relevant meta-analyses will be identified, and statistical analysis will determine effect sizes for risk and protective factors in relation to perinatal psychopathology in both mothers and fathers. Conclusion: This umbrella review will identify the most robust risk and protective factors for perinatal psychopathology, with implications for preventive interventions and clinical practice to better support parents during the transition to parenthood.