Maternal Mental Health and Infant Feeding Choices in Khayelitsha, South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/21160Keywords:
maternal mental health, infant feeding, malnutrition, first 1000 daysAbstract
Background: Maternal mental health impacts caregiving, attachment and feeding practices. There is limited literature available on the influence of maternal mental health on feeding choices, specifically in peri-urban townships such as Khayelitsha.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the mental health status of mothers and their infants' feeding choices attending a primary healthcare centre in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
Methods: This longitudinal prospective study consisted of two phases and included mothers with infants aged 0-8 weeks (Phase 1) and then followed up at 14-24 weeks (Phase 2). Maternal mental health was screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 screening tools, which are validated for use in South Africa. Infant anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were recorded and interpreted using z-scores.
Results: A sample of 121 mother-infant dyads was recruited for this study. Exclusive breastfeeding rates, while initially high during Phase 1 (n=91, 75.2%), declined by Phase 2 (n=63, 58.3%). Of the participants recruited, 18.2% (n=22) opted to exclusively formula feed their infants at Phase 1; this number increased to 31.5% (n=34) by Phase 2. Among those who opted for mixed feeding at Phase 2 (n=11), 81.8% (n=9) provided both breast milk and infant formula. Probable maternal anxiety rates were 28.9% (Phase 1: n=35) and 14.9% (Phase 2: n=16). Maternal probable anxiety did not influence feeding practices (p=0.953). Probable depression rates were very low in this cohort (Phase 1: 0%; Phase 2: 1.9%). Infant growth outcomes highlighted stunting (Phase 1: n=36, 39.2%; Phase 2: n=21, 19.4%) and being overweight or obese accounted for 25.6% (n=31) at Phase 1 and 13.89% (n=15) at Phase 2.
Conclusion: In this cohort of mothers, symptoms of anxiety were common, while probable depression was infrequent. No significant association was identified between maternal mental health status and infant feeding choices across the study period. This study reinforces the importance of integrating maternal mental health support in routine primary healthcare services.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Unisa PressAccepted 2026-02-17
Published 2026-05-26
