KESANS : International Journal of Health and Science
Vol 5 No 11 (2026): KESANS: International Journal of Health and Science

The Effectiveness of Iron Supplementation on Postpartum Depression in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Yayu Wulandari (Master of Midwifery Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas '
Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta)

Irene Fernandes (Master of Midwifery Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas '
Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta)

Fitriyani (Master of Midwifery Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas '
Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta)

Rita Ximenes Pereira (Master of Midwifery Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas '
Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta)

Endang Koni Suryaningsih (Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas '
Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta)

Ajeng Icanervilla (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health challenge among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with iron deficiency recognized as a potential risk factor. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of iron supplementation in reducing postpartum depression among women in low- and middle-income countries. Method: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and quasi-experimental studies on iron supplementation in postpartum women published from 2015–2026. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results and Discussion: Eleven studies involving 8,337 participants met the inclusion criteria, showing mixed evidence: two reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms following supplementation, while most found no significant difference versus comparators. Variations likely reflect differing participant characteristics, interventions, duration, and PPD's multifactorial nature. Conclusion: Iron supplementation may contribute to reducing postpartum depressive symptoms in some women; however, current evidence remains inconclusive. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to clarify its effectiveness

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

kesans

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Physics Public Health

Description

KESANS : International Journal of Health and Science provides a means for ongoing discussion of the relevant issues that fall within the focus and scope of the journal that can be examined empirically. This journal publishes research articles in the medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, ...