Maternal mental health and infant and young children undernutrition: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the globally available evidence for an association between maternal mental health, such as depression, anxiety and common mental disorders and child undernutrition; both of which are global public health problems.

Methods: Databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Global Health Library and relevant reports from the World Health Organisation, United Nations of Children Education Fund and other organisations working in maternal and child health from 1995-2025 were searched. The risk of bias was assessed by recognised tool for assessing cohort studies. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted for all outcomes.

Results: Meta-analysis of the primary outcome revealed that a synthesised estimate of the adjusted odds ratio for the proportion of stunted children of mothers with depression or mental health disorder compared to the proportion of stunted children of mothers with no depression or mental health disorder was 1.41 (95% CI 1.17, 1.69). Secondary meta-analyses revealed significant detrimental effects of maternal depression or mental health issues on underweight. Subgroup analyses suggest that the association is strongest in children up to 2 years of age in middle-income countries, and that there is insufficient evidence for an association in a meta-analysis conducted on low risk-of-bias studies only.

Conclusion: The review provides evidence of a significant association between maternal mental health and child growth disorder.