Common mental disorders among mothers of children under five Years of age attended treatment for severe acute malnutrition In jimma city, oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) are among the most prevalent forms of mental disorders globally. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with CMDs, and mothers are particularly prone to these disorders. CMD can have significant long-term adverse impacts on both mothers and their children. Maternal physical illnesses are well known to be associated with children severe acute malnutrition. The existing limited evidences of CMD among mothers of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of maternal common mental disorders among these mothers. Objectives: To determine the magnitude and associated factors of common mental disorders among mothers of children under five years of age attended treatment for severe acute malnutrition in Jimma city, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2025 Methods: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 163 mothers of children under five years of age who attended treatment for severe acute malnutrition at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) and Shenen Gibe General Hospital from January to March2025. Data was collected by trained nurses using structured questionnaire. CMD was measured by World Health Organization Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (WHO SRQ 20). Structured questionnaires was used to measure factors associated with CMD. Data entry and analysis were done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. A bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses was performed. The strength of association was measured by the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and a p-value of <0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. The final results were presented in the form of tables, figures and texts Results: The majority of mothers (60%) were aged 25–34 years and most were married (80.4%).Over half (55.2%) were unable to read or write and nearly half (51.5%) were were housewives. The majority of mothers was Muslim (81.6%) and lived in rural areas (82.2%). Nearly half of the children (49.7%) were between the age of 12–36 months.The majority of house holds experienced of mild food insecurity (45.4%) while only 13.5% being fully food secure. I The prevalence of maternal common mental disorders was 31.9%. Mothers with co-morbid medical illnesses (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.08–11.35), a history of mental illness (AOR = 4.24; 95% CI: 1.13–15.82), infants under 12 months (AOR = 6.81; 95% CI: 1.25–37.13), child chronic illness (AOR = 4.03; 95% CI: 1.02–15.84), and short birth intervals (AOR = 3.81; 95% CI: 1.41–10.27) were significantly associated with mothers CMD. The absence of intimate partner violence reduced CMD likelihood by 73.3% (AOR = 0.267; 95% CI: 0.08 0.93). Conclusion and Recommendation: Nearly one third of participants reported common mental illness. Mothers with co-morbid medical illnesses, previous history of mental illness, having infants under 12 months, child chronic illness, and short birth intervals were significantly associated with maternal CMD. Conversely, the absence of intimate partner violence reduced CMD likelihood by two third. Therefore, integrating maternal CMDs screening and psychosocial support into existing SAM treatment protocol is essential.