Background and Aims:
Widowed people have a high risk of common mental disorders, however no summary estimates of the prevalences exist.
The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of common mental disorders in widowed people in the community. 

Methods:
MEDLINE, Embase and PsycInfo were searched (May 2017) for papers reporting on prevalence of common mental disorders and widowhood. Eligible studies were included in random effects meta-analyses of the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders. Subgroup analyses were performed on method of assessment of depression and age and gender. 

Results:
The literature search identified 12,982 titles of which 38 were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression in studies using a screening scale was 40.69% (32.77%-48.62%) (n=26). For studies using full diagnostic criteria the pooled prevalence of depression was 19.21% (13.38%-25.04%) (n=12). Subgroup analyses of age (≥ or <65) and gender did not show any differences regarding depression. Five studies reported the prevalence of anxiety disorders. The pooled prevalence estimate was 26.91% (8.09%-45.73%).

Conclusions:
Widowed people have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders. The high prevalence of depression was independent of age and gender. The study identifies a p

04 - PREVALENCE OF COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS IN WIDOWHOOD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS