Nutritional Factors Associated With Maternal Depression Among Pregnant Women in Urban Low-Income Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Nutritional deficiencies are common during pregnancy and a year after childbirth. At the same time, maternal depression affects many women during pregnancy up to 1 year after childbirth. The objectives of this study were to determine the associations between nutrition status, dietary intake, and maternal depression among pregnant women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 262 pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years attending the antenatal clinic in 2 public health facilities in urban-low income settlement Nairobi, Kenya. Maternal depression was assessed using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was used to determine nutritional status. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hour recall, and brain essential nutrients were assessed through a questionnaire. Odds ratio was used to test the associations. All maternal characteristics with P <.001 in the univariable analysis were considered in the multivariable logistic regression, variables with P < .05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 262 pregnant women, 33.6% (95% CI: 27.9-40.7) had depressive illness as indicated by EPDS >13. About 9.9% of pregnant women had MUAC less than <23 cm. The study established statistically significant association between poor nutrition by MUAC and maternal depression ( P < .001). Maternal depression was statistically significantly associated with inadequate intake of brain food essential ( P = .002). Maternal depression was statistically significantly associated with lower income ( P < .001). In multivariable regression analysis, the main predictor of maternal depression was poor nutrition ( P < .004). Conclusion: The finding reveals an association between poor nutrition and maternal depression. These results suggest that nutritional deficiencies could be the contributing factor for maternal depression. Study recommends dietary interventions as cost-effective way to reduce deficiencies and improve mental health problems for pregnant women. Assessment of maternal depression and dietary intake be integrated as fundamental components of antenatal care.

Identification of Variables Influencing the Mental Health of Pregnant Women

“…Poor mental health during pregnancy generally occurs in women with low incomes and who do not work, indirectly affecting their psychological condition. This aligns with research findings (Karmaliani et al, 2009;Madeghe et al, 2021).…”

“…Al Baqarah verse 112 contains a psychological element regarding how humans give the whole surrender of their emotions to Allah SWT. Pregnant women's mental health disorders may be impacted by socioeconomic factors such as early pregnancy, low educational (WHO, 2022), low socioeconomic status (Nagandla et al, 2016), low income, and not working mom (Madeghe et al, 2021). Reproductive age enhances the preparedness of mothers both physically and mentally for pregnancy and chprovide assistance in ildcare.…”

The Effect of Pumpkin Seed Biscuits and Moringa Capsules on (Malondialdehyde) Levels and Birth Outcomes of Pregnant Women

“…The Vitamin C content of moringa leaves is almost four times more than other leaves such as kenikir leaves which contain 64.6 mg/100 g of Vitamin C, and papaya Hence, these substances can lower blood pressure and relax blood vessels. Other studies also linked depression with poor nutrition [18], and this nutritional deficiency often occurs during pregnancy and a year after giving birth.…”

“…Therefore, additional supplements that contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants are needed to overcome stress triggers and prevent preeclampsia [21]. Malnutrition also causes stress [18], and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that maternal stress and depression levels in developing countries will increase from 15% to 57% [22].…”

Risk factors for the development of postpartum depression in individuals who screened positive for antenatal depression

“…Among these disorders, antenatal depression constitutes a major health challenge for pregnant women [ 2 , 3 ]. Antenatal depression profoundly affects a woman’s sense of well-being, relationships, and quality of life, leading to adverse consequences such as difficulty performing common activities and failure to obtain prenatal care, the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances, and the risk of self-harm or suicide [ 4 , 5 ]. Antenatal depression may also affect fetal growth as well as infant temperament and later behavior in childhood [ 6 , 7 ].…”