The World Health Organization emphasizes improving psychological
wellbeing of postpartum mothers (March of Dimes, Child
Health, & World Health Organization, 2012). The purpose of this
systematic review was to critique evidence on incidence, prevalence,
and impact of PTS symptoms following preterm birth; to
examine predictors, screening and management strategies for
PTS symptoms; and to identify the gaps and determine the applicability
of the literature to Malawi. A systematic review of current literature
was necessary to explore what work has been done on PTS
symptoms following preterm birth to provide a basis for work on
perinatal PTS symptoms research in the Malawian health care system
and other low-income countries facing high preterm birth
rates. This evidence will be crucial to postpartum health care providers
in understanding PTS symptoms in mothers of preterm
infants, promoting psychological wellbeing mothers and improving
infant outcomes following preterm delivery.