Table 1 Summary of Key SAM and Maternal Depression Studies in LMIC Contexts

Ashaba et al. (2015) [31] Maternal depression and malnutrition in SW Uganda

Matched case control study

Not blinded

N = 166 children (83 cases and 83 controls); Controls were age and gender-matched chronically ill children.

Rural population from low socioeconomic background.

Hospital-based study.

MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview)

Clinician administered.

Children aged 6–60 months.

Prevalence of depression 42% among cases versus 12% among controls

OR 2.4 (95% CI = 1.18–4.79; p = 0.015)

Ross & Hanlon et al. (2010) [35] Perinatal mental distress & infant morbidity in Ethiopia

Cohort study

N = 954 mother child pairs.

Rural population of low socio-economic status.

Population-based study.

SRQ 20 (Self- Reporting Questionnaire)

Self-administered.

Followed up from 3rd trimester through first 2 months postpartum.

Prevalence of High CMD (SRQ20 score > 6) was 9.8% in pregnancy, 2.1% post- natally: persistent high CMD was 2.5%

Persistent perinatal CMD was associated with RR 2.15 (95% CI = 1.39–3.24) increased risk of infant diarrhea.

Ejaz et al. (2012) [37] Maternal psychiatric morbidity & childhood malnutrition in Pakistan

Matched case control study

Not blinded

N = 100 (50 cases, 50 controls with significant co-morbidities were excluded.

Controls were children with normal weight. Admitted with common childhood illnesses, like acute respiratory infections, diarrhea.

Urban population in Karachi of low socio-economic status.

Hospital based study.

HADS (Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale)

Clinician administered at time of hospital admission.

Cases were more likely than controls to have depressed mothers OR 0.85 (95% CI = 0.38–1.86; p = 0.68)

Rahman et al. (2004) [38] Maternal mental health & childhood growth in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Case control study

Interviewer blinded to case-control status of infant.

N = 172(82 cases, 90 controls)

Controls were children from same locality whose weight for age was above the 10th percentile.

Urban and peri-urban.

Mainly of low SES.

Immunization clinic based.

SRQ 20 (Self- Reporting Questionnaire),

Self- administered

Administered to mother when she came to clinic for child’s 9-mo. immunization

Strong association between maternal depression and poor weight gain. Adjusted OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.2–6.8, p < 0.05)

Patel et al. (2003) [14] Maternal depression & infant growth in Goa, India

Cohort study

Hospitalized controls.

171 infants age > 9 months

22% with depressed mothers.

Rural population in Goa, India of low SES.

Hospital based.

EPDS (Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale)

Clinician administered at 6–8 week immunization visit.

Babies under the 5th percentile for weight were more likely to have depressed mothers Risk ratio 2.3 (95% CI = 1.1–4.7, p = 0.01)

Anoop et al. (2004) [19] Maternal depression as risk factor for malnutrition in children 6–12 months in Kaniyambadi Block, Nadu

Case control study

Interviewer blind to child nutritional status.

72 cases and 72 controls, matched.

Cases were children 50–80% of expected weight.

Controls matched for age, sex, and locality were > 80% of expected weight.

Rural and peri-urban of low SES

Community based.

SCID (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV)

Clinician administered.

Mothers with malnourished babies were more likely to have post- natal depression OR 7.4 (95% CI = 1.6–3.85; p = 0.01)