Prevalence of Maternal Depression in Mothers of Children Below 5 Years, and Associated Factors in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

BACKGROUND Maternal depression significantly contributes to global mental disorders and disease related disability in women of reproductive age, predominantly in developing nations, causing detrimental effects on families. We sought to determine the prevalence of maternal depression in women with children younger than 5 years and its contributing factors. METHODOLOGY We conducted a cross-sectional study from 24th April to 5th May 2023, among 354 women who had children below 5 years in Kianda village, Kibra informal settlements in Nairobi County. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to measure maternal depression. Using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and structured questionnaires we gathered the participants’ food security status and sociodemographic information, respectively. We measured the participants’ weight and height to determine their nutritional status. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to calculate the prevalence of depression and identify associated factors. RESULTS The prevalence of maternal depression was 30.7%. Underweight mothers were 11 times more likely to suffer depression than those with normal weight (p=0.004). Lower education predisposed mothers to depression by 58% more than higher education (p = 0.043). Fulltime housewives were twice as likely to have depression than those with an occupation (p=0.038). Households with moderate food insecurity were 23% more likely to have depressed mothers compared to households with food security (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Maternal depression was prevalent in Kianda village, Kibra informal settlement. Maternal depression was linked to underweight, low educational attainment, full-time housewifery, and food insecurity. Maternal depression screening in the community, along with referrals as needed, can benefit women's mental health. Furthermore, focused interventions to improve undernutrition, socioeconomic disparities, and household food security could significantly reduce maternal depression.