Maternal depression and malnutrition in children in southwest Uganda: a case control study
Scholastic Ashaba1, Godfrey Zari Rukundo2, Florence Beinempaka3
1Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda. ashaba.schola@gmail.com.
Insights
Maternal depression significantly increases the risk of child malnutrition in Uganda. Early screening and treatment for maternal depression are crucial for improving child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Maternal Mental Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Malnutrition is a major cause of child mortality in developing nations, with significant prevalence in Uganda.
- Maternal depression is a potential, underrecognized contributor to childhood malnutrition.
- This study investigated the link between maternal depression and malnutrition in young children in southwest Uganda.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between maternal depression and malnutrition in children aged one to five years.
- To assess the prevalence of maternal depression in mothers of malnourished children versus controls.
- To inform public health strategies for child nutrition and maternal mental well-being.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted at Mbarara regional referral hospital with 166 children (86 malnourished cases, 86 controls).
- Malnutrition was assessed using WHO child growth standards (height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age).
- Maternal depression was evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) depression module.
Main Results:
- Mothers of malnourished children exhibited a 42% prevalence of depression, compared to 12% in mothers of controls.
- Maternal depression was significantly associated with child malnutrition (adjusted odds ratio: 2.4).
- The majority of mothers were married peasant farmers, with a mean age of 25 years.
Conclusions:
- Maternal depression negatively impacts child nutrition and development.
- Higher rates of depression were observed in mothers of malnourished children.
- Routine screening and treatment for maternal depression should be integrated into maternal and child health services.
Background:
Malnutrition remains one of the most significant child health problems in developing countries with an estimated 53% of child deaths per year attributed to being underweight. The 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) showed that 38 % of the children were stunted and 16% were underweight. While dietary and environmental factors are known major contributors to children's nutritional status, maternal depression may also contribute since it disrupts the mothers' ability to cope with demands of childcare. This study aimed to determine the association between maternal depression and malnutrition in children aged one to 5 years in southwest Uganda.
Methods:
The study was undertaken between October and December 2014 on children aged one to 5 admitted to the Mbarara regional referral hospital. Cases were malnourished children and controls were children with other chronic conditions but normal nutritional status admitted to the same hospital. Children's ages were recorded, weight and height taken and converted into height for age, weight for height and weight for age and malnutrition was determined based on WHO child growth standards. Mothers of both groups of children were assessed for depression using the depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Participants provided informed consent prior to enrollment. The study was approved by Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Ethics Committee and funded by MicroResearch.
Results:
All 166 mothers who were approached agreed to participate in the study. The prevalence of depression among mothers of malnourished children (86 cases) was 42% compared to 12% among mothers of controls (86 controls). The mean age was 25 years (SD 4.43, range 18-40 years). The majority (75%) were married and most were peasant farmers (62%). Maternal depression was significantly associated with malnutrition in children with a crude odds ratio of 2.23 (1.08-1.89) and an adjusted odds ratio of 2.4 (1.11-5.18).
Conclusion:
Maternal depression impacts negatively on child nutrition and development as shown by a higher prevalence of depression among mothers of malnourished children compared to the control group. Routine screening and treatment for depression should be included in all maternal and child health clinics.
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