Maternal common mental disorder symptoms and child nutritional outcomes: The role of caregiving practices among children aged 6–59 months

Abstract

Background: Maternal common mental disorders (CMDs) remain under recognised in many low-income countries, and these can compromise caregiving capacity during early childhood. Evidence linking maternal CMD symptoms to caregiving practices and child nutritional outcomes in Zimbabwe and similar settings remains limited.
Aim: This study examined associations between maternal CMD symptoms, caregiving practices and nutritional outcomes among young children in Zimbabwe.
Setting: The study was conducted in the Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces of Zimbabwe.
Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a household-based matched case-control study involving mother–child dyads attending primary health facilities was conducted. Maternal CMD symptoms were assessed using the Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ 14) and analysed as a continuous variable. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations between maternal CMD symptoms and caregiving and child nutritional outcomes, adjusting for maternal, child and household covariates.
Results: The prevalence of probable maternal CMD was 34.0% (95% confidence interval: 29.4–38.9). Higher maternal CMD symptom scores were associated with lower odds of antenatal care attendance, incomplete child vaccination and reduced uptake of vitamin A supplementation. Higher CMD symptoms were also associated with increased odds of early weaning, childhood stunting and childhood wasting.
Conclusion: Maternal CMD symptoms were associated with diminished caregiving practices and adverse child nutritional outcomes. Integrating maternal mental health screening and support into routine maternal and child health services may improve child health and nutrition outcomes.
Contribution: This study provides evidence linking maternal CMD symptoms with caregiving practices and child nutritional outcomes in a low-resource setting where such evidence remains limited.