Abstract

Depressive symptoms among mothers with hospitalized children in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa

Elshafei, A. Jemutai, J. Tickell, K. D. Sukhtankar, P. Bhat, A. Molyneux, S. Berkley, J. A. Walson, J. L. Collins, P. Y. Childhood Acute, Illness Nutrition Network, Investigators
J Affect Disord. 2023; 323368-377

Permanent descriptor

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.051

BACKGROUND: Poor maternal mental health during childhood hospitalization is associated with post-discharge child mortality. We aimed to establish if maternal PHQ-9 scores during hospitalization are associated with acute stressors or longer trends in mental health status. METHOD: Mothers of children admitted to nine hospitals in six countries completed a PHQ-9 assessment during hospitalization and 45-days post-discharge. Community participants were recruited from homes near the hospitalized children. The prevalence and correlates of high PHQ-9 scores among hospitalized and community mothers were compared. OUTCOMES: Among 2762 mothers of hospitalized children, 514 (19 %) had PHQ-9 scores >/=10, significantly more than the 116 (10 %, p /=10 during admission, 410 had repeat assessments 45-days after their child's discharge, and 108 (26 %) continued to meet the high PHQ-9 criterion. INTERPRETATION: Among mothers of hospitalized children, there are subgroups with transient and persistent depressive symptoms. Interventions tailored to address acute stressors may improve post-discharge pediatric and maternal health outcomes. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation OPP1131320.