Maternal depressive symptoms and child nutritional status: A cross-sectional study in socially disadvantaged Pakistani community

Saeed, Q., Shah, N., Inam, S. and Shafique, K. (2017) Maternal depressive symptoms and child nutritional status: A cross-sectional study in socially disadvantaged Pakistani community. Journal of Child Health Care, 21(3), pp. 331-342. (doi: 10.1177/1367493517721063)

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Abstract

Malnutrition is a primary cause of child morbidity and mortality. The effects of maternal depressive symptoms on children’s health, especially their nutritional status, have received less attention in developing countries but needs to be evaluated to understand the public health implications of maternal depression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between maternal depressive symptoms and children’s nutritional status using data from low socioeconomic community in Pakistan. Maternal depressive symptoms defined as Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale score of 20 or greater was assessed for mothers with children under two years of age. Logistic regression models estimated the association between maternal depressive symptoms and stunting and underweight. Of 325 mothers, 40% scored positive on the depressive scale. The prevalence of stunting and underweight in children under two years was 36.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Maternal depressive symptoms were significantly associated with children being stunted and underweight. Mothers with depressive symptoms were more than three times likely to have stunted (odds ratio (OR) 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–5.18, p value < .001) and underweight (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.99–5.34, p value < .001) children compared to non-depressed mothers. Maternal-related factors such as poor education, unemployment, and low household income were found to be significantly associated with higher odds of children’s short stature and underweight.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Shafique, Dr Kashif
Authors: Saeed, Q., Shah, N., Inam, S., and Shafique, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Journal of Child Health Care
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:1367-4935
ISSN (Online):1741-2889
Published Online:01 August 2017

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