Risk Factors of Depression Among Mothers of Children with Chronic Health Conditions and Disability in Central Malawi

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Abstract The number of pediatric chronic health conditions and disabilities (PCHCD) in Malawi are rising. Caregivers of children with chronic health condition and disabilities (CHCD) experience elevated depression that undermine optimum childcare support. Currently, there is dearth of knowledge on the prevalence and underlying factors that predispose depression among mothers of children with CHCD in Malawi. The study aims to examine the perceived social environmental factors that triggers anxiety and depression among mothers of children with CHCD in rural Malawi. Methods The study utilized a sequential mixed-method research design. A multistage cross-sectional study design was used to sample 198 mothers for the survey, and purposively recruited 27 mothers for the in-depth interviews. A descriptive analysis examined the prevalence of depression. A phenomenological approach was used to understand the drivers of depression. The qualitative interviews were transcribed and subsequently coded using thematic analysis. Results The prevalence of depression among mothers of children under five years with CHCD was 47%. Notable perceived predisposing factors of depression were constant fear of their child’s well-being and safety, lack of community and professional support, and inaccessibility of specialized healthcare services due to poverty. Conclusion Depression among mothers of children with CHCD is a significant health problem in rural Malawi that warrant intervention. We suggest that programs that can enhance the wellbeing and safety of children and offer socioeconomic support to mothers can potentially mitigate depression.

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