Elshafei A, Jemutai J, Tickell KD, Sukhtankar P, Bhat A, Molyneux S, Berkley JA, Walson JL, Collins PY, Childhood Acute Illness Nutrition Network Investigators
J Affect Disord. 2022;323
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 paediatric and maternal health outcomes. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation OPP1131320.
