Association between maternal depression and the nutritional status of children under five-years-old in Peru: An analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey 2014-2017

Abstract

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the association between maternal depression and nutritional status of children under 5 years old in Peru.DesignCross-sectional study of the Demographic and Health Survey 2014-2017. Outcomes were mild (height Z-score for age <-2 SD) and moderate/severe (<-3DE) childhood chronic undernutrition and also mild (hemoglobin <11 g/dL) and moderate/severe (hemoglobin <10 g/dL) childhood anemia. Maternal depression was assessed by the questionnaire PHQ-9. Odds ratios and their confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by multinomial logistic regression models, considering the complex sample design.SettingPeruParticipantsPeruvian women of childbearing age from 15 to 49 years who live with children from 6 to 59 months.ResultsMaternal depression was significantly associated with a higher odds of moderate/severe chronic undernutrition in children aged 6-59 months (OR = 2.67; 95% CI 1.16-6.16).ConclusionsThere was evidence that maternal depression was associated with an increased risk of moderate/severe chronic undernutrition