A meta-analysis on the prevalence of parents’ complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder following perinatal loss in East and Southeast Asia

Background: Previous reviews have reported high prevalence estimates of complicated grief (CG) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among parents following perinatal loss. However, evidence has predominantly focused on Western populations, leaving parents in East and Southeast Asia underexamined. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to estimate the prevalence of CG and PTSD among parents experiencing perinatal loss in East and Southeast Asia while identifying potential moderators, including types of loss, parental roles, trimester of loss, maternal age, marital status, and country. Method: This protocol was prepared based on the PRISMA-P 2015 Statement. PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched using six search strings for peer-reviewed studies and preprints reporting parents’ CG at 6 and/or 12 months or PTSD at least 1 month following perinatal loss. Searches will be supplemented manually via Google Scholar and key references. Two authors independently screened records and full texts, with study selection documented using the PRISMA flowchart. The quality of included studies will be assessed using appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Random-effects meta-analyses will be performed to calculate pooled prevalence estimates for CG and PTSD. Subgroup analyses for parental roles, different types of perinatal loss, trimester of loss, maternal age, marital status, and country will also be conducted. Heterogeneity will be assessed by Cochran’s Q and I2. Funnel plots, Egger’s regression test, and Begg’s correlation test will be used to assess publication bias. Results: Results will be reported following the completion of the meta-analysis. Conclusion: The study will provide a comprehensive view of the prevalence of CG and PTSD among parents following perinatal loss in East and Southeast Asia. Implications for researchers and practitioners will be provided. However, pooled prevalence may be inflated owing to publication bias, limited cultural validity, inconsistency in measurements, and the conceptualization of CG in this study. The study examines the prevalence of complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder among parents following perinatal loss in East and Southeast Asia.Differences in the prevalence of these mental health conditions are examined across parental roles, types of loss, marital status, and other potential moderators.The study may inform culturally appropriate screening and psychological interventions for parents in this region experiencing perinatal loss. The study examines the prevalence of complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder among parents following perinatal loss in East and Southeast Asia. Differences in the prevalence of these mental health conditions are examined across parental roles, types of loss, marital status, and other potential moderators. The study may inform culturally appropriate screening and psychological interventions for parents in this region experiencing perinatal loss.