Maternal Mental Health and Infant Bonding Among Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents Girls and Young Women: a Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health disorders pose a global concern, particularly among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years, yet they remain a neglected priority. Early motherhood and untreated Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in AGYW mothers are independently associated with adverse child outcomes and may impact maternalchild interactions. There is however paucity of data within Africa. Objective: To address this region-specific gap in literature, this study in western Kenya aimed to enhance understanding regarding the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of maternal mental health in pregnant and parenting AGYW. The study focused on self-reported CMDs (depression, anxiety, and PTSD), associated risk factors, impact on mother-infant bonding and parenting practices, and the effect on early infant growth.) Methods: We employed a comparative cross-sectional design and quantitative methods. We compared pregnant and parenting AGYW with their non-pregnant/parenting counterparts. Pregnant and parenting AGYW aged 15-24 years were recruited using convenience sampling (n=526). Data was analyzed using STATA V.16 Multivariate statistics was used to identify predictors of each CMD. Statistical significance based on two-sided tests will be set at 0.05. The results of the regression models were reported as ORs with 95% CIs. Data will be presented in tables and graphs. Results: 526 AGYW participated (256 never-pregnant; 270 ever-been-pregnant). CMDs were reported by 20% of AGYWs (18% never pregnant; 22% ever pregnant). Ever-pregnant AGYWs had higher CMD odds (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.05, 4.08). Risk factors for CMD included early marriage, pre-existing mental illness (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.05, 4.08), employment (OR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.11, 3.71), recent loss (OR 2.97, 95%CI 1.86, 4.73), and history of mental illness (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.23, 3.82). Young mothers (<20) had negative body image and attitudes (β= -3.69, p= 0.050. 7). All CMDs were linked to negative feelings and poorer mother-infant bonding. 47% of failed bonding was attributed to moderate to severe CMDs (56% depression, 51% PTSD). Eliminating any moderate to severe CMD could prevent 38% of failed bonding. Conclusion: this study underscores the intricate mental health challenges faced by AGYW during pregnancy and parenting, emphasizing the crucial need for comprehensive support. Routine mental health screening programs for pregnant and parenting AGYW are essential to mitigate CMD risk and enhance mother-infant bonding