Examining maternal depression, birthweight and linear growth: Findings from the South African National Income Dynamics Study

Background. Literature is inconclusive regarding an association between maternal depression, low birthweight (LBW) and stunting in early childhood. While some studies have found association, others not. Maternal food insecurity a risk factor for both depression reduced linear growth 
 Objective. This study examined the relationship insecurity, LBW first five years of life. The employed longitudinal data South African women children from National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS). Methods. Mothers were classified into four groups: insecure depressed; only; depressed neither nor depressed. During collection, 22% pregnant remaining 78% pre-conception. primary outcomes height-for-age (HAZ) scores. Generalised Linear Mixed Effects (GLME) models used to account having more than one child. GLME with Gaussian link function compare mean differences HAZ Multivariable regression examine factors associated depression. Results. Food was significantly among pre-conceptional women. There no statistically significant difference or across groups, but this may be influenced by proximity measurement relation outcomes. Conclusion. potentially modifiable confounding that associations child health