MATERNAL POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, FEEDING PRACTICES AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF INFANTS AGED 6 to 14 WEEKS AT ELDORET WEST MATERNITY HOSPITAL, UASIN GISHU COUNTY-KENYA

Abstract

Globally, the levels of malnutrition remain a significant concern, with approximately one in every three children under the age of five experiencing poor growth due to malnutrition. This leads to around 45% of child mortality. By reducing malnutrition rates, we can enhance the chances of child survival and prevent the loss of their lives’ full potential. It is crucial to address malnutrition by identifying contributing factors, such as maternal postpartum depression, which affects 17.7% of mothers worldwide.Unfortunately, Postpartum Depression often goes undiagnosed or untreated, leading to inadequate documentation of its impact on infant care, feeding practices, and ultimately, nutritional status. The general objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of maternal postpartum depression, feeding practices and nutritional status of infants aged 6 to 14 weeks at Eldoret West Maternity Hospital, Uasin Gishu County-Kenya. The study was conducted utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The selection of the study area and the 257 samples of mothers-infant pairs 6-14 weeks postpartum was done through purposive and simple random sampling methods respectively. Data collection took place between July and August 2022 using a structured questionnaire after obtaining approval from various authorities. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was employed for data analysis, with descriptive analysis focusing on the prevalence of Postpartum Depression, maternal obstetric factors, sociodemographic characteristics, feeding practices, and nutritional status. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to assess the factors associated with maternal Postpartum Depression, feeding practices and nutritional status of infants aged 6 to 14 weeks while adjusting for confounders. Data was presented using frequency tables, and interpretations were made based on the analysis results. At the Eldoret West Maternity Hospital, the prevalence of maternal postpartum depression was found to be 17.5% between 6 to 14 weeks after delivery. The study also discovered that Postpartum Depression had an impact on the 6-14week infant feeding in that 8.9% of mothers with Postpartum Depression practiced mixed feeding which consequently affected infant nutritional status resulting in 27.2% stunting, 6.8% wasting and 9.1% underweight after adjusting for confounding factors. The maternal prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers was found to be 17.5%, which is nearly equivalent to the global prevalence rate. The study found an association between maternal Postpartum Depression and infant feeding practices and nutritional status. These findings were consistent with those of previous studies. These findings may serve as a foundation for screening mothers for Postpartum Depression for early identification to enable them receive specialized care that will improve their mental health, enhancing their ability to provide responsive care and proper feeding for their infants, thus preventing malnutrition. it is crucial for the Ministry of Health to develop policies regarding maternal mental health. These policies will aid in the identification and treatment of Postpartum Depression, ultimately preventing its consequences on infant feeding and nutritional status, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition.