Predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia: case-control study.

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting global health, particularly for women. It accounts for 4.3% of the total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), making it a major contributor to global disability. The high rate of depression in developing nations, the caregiving responsibilities of caregivers, their susceptibility to depression, and maternal mental health in these nations may significantly impact childhood development. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo Zone public hospitals.

Methods: A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 226 caregivers (113 cases and 113 controls). Depression of caregivers was assessed using a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors, and the association was presented with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval.

Results: In this study, not attended formal education [AOR = 2.9(95%CI: 1.0-8.1)], unemployment [AOR = 3.7, (95% CI: 1.4-9.7)], low socioeconomic status [AOR = 3.3 (95% CI: 1.2-9.4)], physical abuse [AOR = 2.3(95% CI = 1.2-3.3)], poor social support [AOR = 2.6(95% CI: 1.0-6.5)], and stunting [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-3.4] were a significant positive predictors of depression.

Conclusion and recommendation: Nearly half of the study participants had a significant burden of depression among caregivers of malnourished children; particularly those facing not attended formal education, unemployment, low socioeconomic status, physical abuse, poor social support, and having a stunted child. Therefore, implementing early depression screening and interventions is crucial. Additionally, enhancing caregiver education, reducing unemployment, strengthening social support systems, preventing stunted physical growth, and boosting parents' financial stability with malnourished children are essential strategies for sustainable improvement.