Nutrition and Dietary Supplements (Feb 2024)

The Impact of Maternal Common Mental Disorders on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Eastern Ethiopia: A Prospective Cohort Study

  • Misgana T,
  • Gebremichael B,
  • Tesfaye D,
  • Tamiru D,
  • Alemu D,
  • Weldesenbet AB,
  • Tariku M,
  • Dheresa M

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 16
pp. 15 – 26

Abstract

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Tadesse Misgana,1 Berhe Gebremichael,2 Dejene Tesfaye,1 Dawit Tamiru,3 Daniel Alemu,1 Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet,2 Mandaras Tariku,1 Merga Dheresa4 1Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 4School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Berhe Gebremichael, Email [email protected]: Maternal common mental disorders (CMD) and inadequate child feeding practices are significant public health concerns in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the impact of maternal CMD on infant feeding practices remains poorly comprehended. Hence, the objective of this research was to examine the impact of maternal CMD on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the rural districts of eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out within a community setting, involving 986 pregnant women (371 exposed and 615 non-exposed). The assessment of maternal CMD during pregnancy and the postpartum period was conducted using the Self-Reported Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) from the World Health Organization (WHO). To determine the impact of maternal CMD on EBF, a modified Poisson regression model was employed. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05.Results: The cumulative incidence of suboptimal EBF practice was higher among infants’ mothers who had only prenatal CMD (61.3%) and persistent/chronic CMD (64.7%) compared to those with no CMD at all (51.9%). However, the incidence was slightly lower in mothers having only postnatal CMD (51.1%). The risk of suboptimal EBF was 1.21 times more likely among women with prenatal CMD (Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR)=1.21, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.04, 1.40) and 1.25 times more likely in those with persistent CMD (ARR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.52) compared with those having no CMD.Conclusion: Maternal CMD is a significant predictor of suboptimal EBF practice in the rural part of Ethiopia. Community-based screening and early management of maternal CMD and integration of mental health services into community-based nutrition could improve EBF.Keywords: common mental disorders, Eastern Ethiopia, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal

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