Maternal Depression and Infant Nutritional Outcomes in Rural Kebbi State: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Maternal depression is a well-established risk factor for poor infant nutrition, yet prospective longitudinal evidence linking these outcomes in rural North West Nigeria is absent. This study examines the prospective association between maternal postnatal depression and infant nutritional status over the first six months of life in rural Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A cohort design will recruit 200 mother-infant dyads at four to six weeks postpartum from community health clinics in Birnin Kebbi and Argungu local government areas. Maternal depression will be assessed at baseline using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and at three and six months postpartum. Infant nutritional outcomes including weight-for-age z-scores, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and complementary feeding practices will be documented at each follow-up. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) will model the association over time, controlling for household food insecurity, maternal education, and social support. Prior cross-sectional studies from North West Nigeria show strong associations between maternal depression and infant growth faltering, but longitudinal evidence is lacking. Findings will contribute critical prospective data to support the integration of perinatal mental health care within the maternal and child nutrition programs in Kebbi State. Keywords: maternal depression, infant nutrition, longitudinal, Kebbi State, postnatal