(P27-058-25) Maternal-Child Wellness in Nomadic Communities: Decoding the Intricate Links Between Poverty, Mental Health, and Nutrition

Objectives: Poverty, large family sizes and less hand wash practices among nomads could be leading causes of depression, poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions (WASH) and which may lead to poor nutritional status among mothers and children under 5 years of age. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of depression, hand wash practices and socioeconomic determinants on stunting and wasting among nomadic mothers and their children under 5 years of age residing in district Layyah.

Methods: This study employed a structured questionnaire-based survey using single-stage cluster sampling in three tehsils of Layyah district, Pakistan. The research focused on 102 nomadic mother-infant pairs, collecting data on socioeconomic status, depression (using PHQ-2 and PHQ-9), and hand wash practices. Anthropometric measurements were taken for both mothers and children. The Cost of Basic Needs method was used to determine the poverty line. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 22.0 and WHO Anthro 3.2 software. Chi-square tests were employed for categorical variables.

Results: This study revealed significant associations between various factors and nutritional status. Family size significantly impacted maternal nutritional status (p < 0.01) and child stunting (p=0.015). Depression significantly affected maternal nutritional status (p = 0.006) but not child stunting or wasting (p > 0.05). Hand wash practices before feeding children were significantly associated with reduced stunting (p = 0.024). Age of children (p = 0.034) and presence of milk-giving animals (p = 0.042) were significantly related to stunting. Money spent on food (p = 0.024) and number of children under 5 (p = 0.033) showed varying significance in relation to maternal and child nutritional status. Of the children studied, 47 (46.1%) were stunted and 20 (19.6%) were wasted. Among mothers, 40 (39.2%) were underweight, 33 (32.4%) had normal BMI, and 29 (28.4%) were overweight.

Conclusions: Current study highlights the complex relationship between socioeconomic factors, depression, and nutritional status among nomadic mothers and children. Improving access to healthcare, education, and nutrition programs could significantly enhance the well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Funding Sources: This study was not funded by any organization or institute.