Investigating the nutritional and mental health status in the suburbs of Northeast Iran: a register-based study

In urban areas, particularly among informal settlements, malnutrition and mental health disorders are recognized as key indicators of social inequality. Child malnutrition encompasses a wide range of developmental disorders. Mental disorders are also considered one of the main causes of the global burden of disease. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status in children, mental health, and exposure to domestic violence among mothers living in the marginalized areas of Mashhad, northeast Iran.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 325863 individuals (children and mothers) living in the marginalized areas of Mashhad, registered in the Sina Electronic Health Record SINAEHR) system between 2016 and 2018. National reference standard values for underweight (weight-for-age), stunting (height-for-age), wasting, overweight, and obesity (weight-for-height) were used to define nutritional status. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were applied to explore the associated factors with nutritional and mental health status. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26.

A total, 51.2% were boys and 48.8% were girls. Children with abnormal TSH were 20% more likely to be Stunting. Girls were 14% more likely to be underweight than boys (AOR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23). Maternal education and employment played a protective role in children's nutritional indicators. Regarding mental health and domestic violence indicators, smoking was associated with an increased likelihood of developing mental health problems (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI: 3.26-3.93). No statistically significant association was found between alcohol consumption and domestic violence; mothers with low scores on the mental health assessment were more likely to experience domestic violence, and a significant association was observed in this regard.

Malnutrition and mental health problems remain significant challenges among children and mothers in marginalized areas. Strengthening maternal support, early identification, and integrated health interventions are crucial to reduce these disparities.