1. Perinatal maternal depression in rural South Africa: Child outcomes over the first two years
- Author
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Christodoulou, Joan, Le Roux, Karl, Tomlinson, Mark, Le Roux, Ingrid M, Katzen, Linnea Stansert, and Rotheram-Borus, Mary Jane
- Subjects
Midwifery ,Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ,Health Sciences ,Perinatal Period - Conditions Originating in Perinatal Period ,Pediatric Research Initiative ,Depression ,Pediatric ,Behavioral and Social Science ,Mental Health ,2.2 Factors relating to the physical environment ,Aetiology ,Reproductive health and childbirth ,Good Health and Well Being ,Adult ,Alcohol Drinking ,Child ,Preschool ,Female ,Humans ,Infant ,Linear Models ,Male ,Mothers ,Pregnancy ,Pregnancy Complications ,Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ,Rural Population ,Sexual Partners ,South Africa ,Families ,Health outcomes ,Rural regions ,Women ,Children ,Low and middle income countries ,Medical and Health Sciences ,Psychology and Cognitive Sciences ,Psychiatry ,Biomedical and clinical sciences ,Health sciences ,Psychology - Abstract
AimsTo examine child outcomes over time among mothers with perinatally depressed mood in rural South Africa (SA).MethodsA representative sample of consecutive births (470/493) in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa (SA) were recruited and were reassessed at five points over the course of the next two years: 85% were reassessed at 3 months, 92% at 6 months, 88% at 9 months, 91% at 12 months, and 88% at 2 years post-birth. Over time, the children of mothers with perinatally depressed mood (16%) were compared to children of mothers without depressed mood using multiple linear and logistic regressions.ResultsMothers with perinatal depressed mood are significantly less likely to live with the child's father or their in-laws (23% vs 35%), have household incomes above 2000 ZAR (154 USD) (31% vs 51%), and significantly more likely to have experienced IPV prior (19% vs 9%) and during (32% vs 20%) pregnancy compared to mothers without depressed mood. There are no differences in age, education, primipara, HIV status (29% seropositive), or alcohol use. Growth and developmental delays and motor and speech milestones through 24 months post-birth are similar for mothers with and without perinatal depressed mood.ConclusionsDespite increased economic and partner difficulties associated with perinatal depressed mood, infant outcomes are similar in mothers with and without depressed mood in rural South Africa.
- Published
- 2019