Depressive symptoms among mothers with hospitalized children in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Elshafei A., Jemutai J., Tickell KD., Sukhtankar P., Bhat A., Molyneux S., Berkley JA., Walson JL., Collins PY., Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network Investigators None.
BackgroundPoor 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.MethodMothers 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.OutcomesAmong 2762 mothers of hospitalized children, 514 (19 %) had PHQ-9 scores ≥10, significantly more than the 116 (10 %, p InterpretationAmong 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.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation OPP1131320.