Maternal depressive symptoms and infant growth in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Depressive disorders are a major source of disability among low-income mothers in developing countries. Objectives: The objectives were to examine the association of maternal depressive symptoms and infant growth among infants in rural Bangladesh and to examine how the relation is affected by infant irritability and caregiving practices. Design: Infant growth was measured among 221 infants at 6 and 12 mo. Mothers reported their depressive symptoms and perceptions of their infant's temperament, and a home observation of caregiving was conducted. Results: At 6 mo, 18% of infants were stunted (length-for-age