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Predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia: case-control study

BMC Psychiatry volume 25, Article number: 500 (2025) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting global health, particularly for women. It accounts for 4.3% of the total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), making it a major contributor to global disability. The high rate of depression in developing nations, the caregiving responsibilities of caregivers, their susceptibility to depression, and maternal mental health in these nations may significantly impact childhood development. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo Zone public hospitals.

Methods

A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 226 caregivers (113 cases and 113 controls). Depression of caregivers was assessed using a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors, and the association was presented with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

In this study, not attended formal education [AOR = 2.9(95%CI: 1.0-8.1)], unemployment [AOR = 3.7, (95% CI: 1.4–9.7)], low socioeconomic status [AOR = 3.3 (95% CI: 1.2–9.4)], physical abuse [AOR = 2.3(95% CI = 1.2–3.3)], poor social support [AOR = 2.6(95% CI: 1.0–6.5)], and stunting [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3–3.4] were a significant positive predictors of depression.

Conclusion and recommendation

Nearly half of the study participants had a significant burden of depression among caregivers of malnourished children; particularly those facing not attended formal education, unemployment, low socioeconomic status, physical abuse, poor social support, and having a stunted child. Therefore, implementing early depression screening and interventions is crucial. Additionally, enhancing caregiver education, reducing unemployment, strengthening social support systems, preventing stunted physical growth, and boosting parents’ financial stability with malnourished children are essential strategies for sustainable improvement.

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Introduction

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. People with depressed moods can also experience feelings of sadness, lack of interest, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, guilty feelings, irritability, change in appetite, sleep disturbance, suicidal ideation, and attempts [1].

Depression accounts for 4.3% of the global burden of disease and is among the largest single causes of disability worldwide, particularly for women [2, 3]. The first year after birth carries a significant risk of depression for primary caregivers [4]. Depression in caregivers is one of today’s all-too-silent health crises [5]. Caregivers who are at risk for depression are almost three times higher than in the general population of similar age [6]. Worldwide, caregivers experience depression two to three times more than men [7]. Caregivers handle all aspects of a sick relative’s care, physical, emotional, medical, and financial. This leads to significant life changes for the caregiver [8].

The risk of depression in primary caregivers is higher, and women are also prone to the postpartum period because of hormonal changes associated with childbirth and stressors associated with parenting [9]. The vulnerability of caregivers to depression, their childcare responsibilities, and the high prevalence of depression in developing countries, maternal mental health in these countries could have a substantial influence on growth during childhood [10].

The nutritional state of children is significantly impacted by the mental health of the primary caregivers, which also interferes with the primary caregiver’s ability to provide childcare [11,12,13]. By impairing the primary caregiver’s capacity to deliver appropriate care and feeding, maternal sadness and depression can have a direct effect on a child’s nutritional condition. Moreover, poverty and food insecurity can worsen maternal distress and child undernutrition, creating a vicious cycle of risk factors with long-term consequences for both caregiver and child [12].

Studies from different countries found that caregivers of malnourished children have a higher depression rate than those of well-nourished children; as reported from Uganda, the prevalence of depression among caregivers of malnourished children was 42% compared to 12% among mothers of controls [14] Kenyan about 64.1% mother with malnourished children has depression higher than mothers of normal-weight children (5.1%) [15].

Malnutrition impairs physical growth, increases morbidity and mortality, and reduces cognitive development and physical work capacity [16]. Malnutrition is also an underlying risk factor that increases the morbidity and mortality of many diseases in children and adults [17]. This is a global public health crisis, imposing significant health and economic burdens worldwide. Each year, it claims the lives of 3.1 million children under the age of five and contributes to widespread malnutrition, resulting in 165 million stunted, 99 million underweight, and 51 million wasted children in 2012 alone [2]. Nearly 20 million children who live in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are severely and acutely malnourished [18]. From SSA, Ethiopia is the second highest country impacted by malnutrition according to the Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS) report. The prevalence of child stunting, underweight, and wasting was 42%, 9%, and 26.7%, respectively [19].

While dietary and environmental factors are known major contributors to children’s nutritional status, research suggests caregiver mental health can also be a significant factor, potentially impacting a mother’s ability to care for her child [11, 20, 21]. Psychosocial factors, including caregiver mental health status, affect breastfeeding in both high- and low-income countries [22,23,24]. Caregivers with depression symptoms also stop exclusive breastfeeding earlier than caregivers without symptoms [23, 25]. Low income, educational level, husbands’ infidelity, lack of financial support, age of a child, residence, region, mothers’ education level, sex of a child, and family size were the factors that predict caregivers’ depression [19, 26,27,28,29].

High-income countries reported the relationship between caregiver mental health and children’s long-term emotional, cognitive, and Behavioural issues; in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where stunted growth as a result of malnutrition is a significant issue, this relationship has received less attention [30,31,32]. However, caregiver mental health is sometimes overlooked in child health programs in underdeveloped nations; intervention programs to enhance caregiver mental health should be taken into consideration as a method to address child malnutrition [33]. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of depression among caregivers having children with malnutrition.

Methods and materials

Study area, period, and design

An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, from March 12 to May 30, 2024. Gedeo zone is located in the Southern Ethiopia regional state, which is 360 km away from Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. In the administrative center of Dilla town, there are 276 health facilities. Among the total health facilities, one is a referral hospital, three district hospitals, 38 health centers, and 36 private clinics.

Participants

All caregivers of children with malnutrition attending public hospitals in the Gedeo Zone during the study period were included. Cases were defined as caregivers of malnourished children who have depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10), while controls in this study are caregivers of malnourished children who do not have depression (PHQ-9 score < 10). In both groups, caregivers with severe comorbid illnesses or communication difficulties were excluded from the study.

Sample size determination

The sample size was calculated using the double population proportion formula and computed by using the STATCALC application of Epi-Info version 7 statistical software with the following assumptions: 95% CI, power of 80%, and assuming that 20% of controls had depression compared to 40% of cases [14]. This gave us a total sample of 209, with a control-to-case risk ratio is 1:2, and adding a 10% non-response rate. Thus, the sample size required for the study was 230(115 cases and 115 controls).

Sampling procedure

There are four public hospitals in the Gedeo zone, including Yirga Chefee, Bule, Gedeb Primary Hospital, and Dilla Teaching Hospital. During the data collection period, an average of 575 caregivers of malnourished children visited these hospitals in a month (142 from Yirga Chefee, 92 from Bule, 108 from Gedeb Primary Hospital, and 233 from Dilla Teaching Hospital). The sample size was allocated proportionally to these selected public health hospitals. The sampling interval, determined by dividing the total study population by the sample size, k = n/N, 575/230 = 2.5 ≈ 3. Based on this, participants were selected by including every 3 intervals from the sampling frame until the total sample size allocated for each hospital was reached. The starting point was randomly selected. Then, a systematic sampling technique was used to select all cases and controls. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1
figure 1

Showing sampling technique and procedure for predictors of depression among caregivers of malnutrition children in Gedeo Zone public Hospitals, in southern Ethiopia

Full size image

Data collection instrument

Data was collected by reviewing the patient chart as well as using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which was adapted to the local contexts employed as a tool for this study. The data were collected by four psychiatry nurses, and four nursing staff supervised by three mental health specialists. The questionnaire had different sections, including Socio-demographic, Caregivers’ characteristics, caregiver depression, perceived stigma, maternal workload, social support, Intimate partner violence, Wealth index, and Anthropometric measurement.

Socio-demographic characteristics

included residence, sex, age, marital status, ethnicity, religion, education, occupational status, and socioeconomic status.

Caregivers’ characteristics

individuals’ clinical characteristics, perceived stigma, social support, and substance-related factors were considered.

Caregivers’ depression

was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) [34]. PHQ-9 score ranges from 0 to 27. Each of the 9 items was scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) [34]. The PHQ-9 has been validated in Ethiopian studies for screening depression. In urban areas, a cut-off score of ≥ 10 indicates depression with a specificity of 67% and a sensitivity of 86%, respectively. However, in rural areas, a cut-off score of ≥ 10 indicates depression ≥ 5, with a sensitivity was 83.5% and a specificity was 74.7% [35, 36].

Perceived stigma

was assessed using a three-item stigma scale, which is validated in Zambia and comprises of dichotomous questions in which a positive response is indicative of perceived stigma with an overall possible score ranging from 0 (no perceived stigma) to 3 (maximally perceived stigma) [37].

Social support

was measured using the Oslo 3-item Social Support Scale (OSS-3) [38], which categorizes as follows: a score of 3–8 indicates poor social support, a score of 9–11 indicates intermediate social support, and a score of 12–14 indicates strong social support [39]. The Oslo-3 social support scale is a common tool in Ethiopian studies for screening the level of social support, in research concerning psychiatric disorders. A study conducted in Nigeria reported strong internal consistency for the Oslo-3 tool, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91 [40].

Intimate partner violence

Women in a current or past intimate relationship were considered to have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in the past 12 months if they had suffered any of the following: sexual, psychological (emotional), or physical violence, or a combination of these [41].

Physical abuse

caregiver’s responses to seven survey questions regarding physical intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced in the last 12 months. The questions pertained to acts such as pushing/shoving, slapping, punching, kicking/dragging/beating, choking/burning, weapon use, and hair pulling/arm twisting.

Sexual abuse

Caregiver’s response to two survey questions- regarding experiences of sexual abuse in the past year, including being coerced into sexual intercourse or engaging in sexual acts without their consent in the last 12 months.

Emotional abuse

caregiver’s response to three survey questions- about being humiliated in front of others, threatened to hurt or harm someone close, or insulted in the last 12 months.

Wealth index

Household wealth index was assessed using the Principal component Analysis (PCA) [42]. The index was calculated based on selected household assets; ownership like (radios, mobile phones, beds, mattresses, kerosene lamps, watches, electric or solar panels, chairs, tables, wooden boxes, and carts were considered), materials utilized for the house construction like (uppermost cover, interior roof, floor, and walls) categorized by construction materials based on interviewer observations), and the size of agricultural land. National wealth quintiles are then created. This was done by assigning the highest based on their wealth score, and finally, household incomes were categorized into three Tertile household’s wealth score to every participant within that house. Then all participants are ranked lowest to, such as Low socioeconomic status (SES), Middle SES, and High SES [43].

Maternal workload

was assessed using the PCA [44], which was applied to ten activities performed by caregivers in the preceding 1 week of the survey and were included in the analysis. These activities included collecting firewood and fetching water (> 30-minute walk), washing clothes, land preparation, weeding, manual mowing, threshing, grinding/pounding grain, and terracing. The resulting components explained 70.6% of the variance and were used to classify caregivers into three workload categories (low, medium, and heavy).

Anthropometric measurement

Children’s ages and physical condition were recorded from patients’ charts, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC, weight, and height were taken following standard anthropometric procedures [45]. Anthropometric measures were converted into height for age, weight for height, and weight for age (underweight, stunted, and wasted, respectively). Finally, cases were considered if their Z scores were below minus three standard deviations (− 3SD) and a MUAC less than 115 mm according to WHO growth standard measurements [45].

Data quality control

Data were collected by reviewing patients’ charts and using the Amharic language, a semi-structured questionnaire, which included socio-demographic, depression, perceived stigma, social support, intimate partner violence, socioeconomic status, and maternal workload. Four psychiatry nurses and four nursing staff were recruited and trained for two days as data collectors at each selected hospital. Three supervisors (MSc in psychiatry) were involved during data collection time to supervise the overall data collection procedures. A pretest was conducted on 12 caregivers at a nearby district health center to check the instrument’s clarity. Based on the pretest findings, the questionnaire was revised. The English version of the questionnaire was translated into both Amharic and Gede-uffa and back-translated into English to ensure consistency. Collected data were checked daily for completeness and accuracy.

Data processing, analysis, and interpretation

First, the data was checked for completeness and consistency. The coded data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. The nutritional status of children, such as anthropometric data, were calculated using WHO Anthro version 3.2 and categorized as stunted (height-for-age z-score < -3 SD, wasted (Weight-for-height z-score < -3 SD), and underweight (weight-for-age z-score < -3 SD), then, the data were exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Data was presented by using text, frequencies, tables, charts, and figures. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. In the bivariable analysis, variables with p-values less than 0.2 were considered for inclusion in the multivariable analysis to control for potential confounding factors. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The strength of the association was assessed using an adjusted odds ratio, and the presence of an association was presented with a 95% confidence interval. The model’s fitness was assessed, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded a p-value of 0.72. Tolerance and variance inflation factors (VIFs) were checked to evaluate multicollinearity; the tolerance was ≥ 0.268, while the VIF was ≤ 4.97.

Results

Socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers

From a total of 230 study participants, 226 completed the interview, yielding a response rate of 98.3%. The age range of the participants was between 19 and 42 years, with a mean age of 30.95 years (SD ± 5.5). Of this, nearly half (49.0%) of the caregivers were found in the age group of 25–34 years. Approximately 87 (42.6%) of caregivers had received formal primary education, and two-thirds (65.7%) of the participants were unemployed (Table 1).

Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of study participants among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, South Ethiopia, (n = 226)
Full size table

Psychosocial and clinical characteristics of the caregiver

Regarding psychosocial aspects of caregivers with malnourished children, about 44.1% of study participants had inadequate social support. Nearly two-fifths of the study participants (39.7%) experienced intimate partner violence. Nearly half (48%) of participants reported experiencing perceived stigma as the caregivers of malnourished children. More than half (55.9%) of caregivers were dissatisfied with their marital relationship. About 17.6% of caregivers had a history of mental illness (Table 2).

Table 2 Psychosocial and clinical characteristics of the participants among caregivers of children with undernutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, South Ethiopia, (n = 226)
Full size table

Anthropometric measurements of children

Among children with malnutrition, approximately 75.5% were underweight, 62.3% were stunted, and 43.1% were wasted. Of the malnourished children, 21.9% had acute respiratory infection and 52.7% had diarrhea (Table 3).

Table 3 Anthropometric measurements and child clinical characteristics of children among caregivers of children with undernutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, South Ethiopia, (n = 226)
Full size table

Determinants of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition

The associations of all potential explanatory variables and depression were checked using a logistic regression model. Not attending formal education, being unemployed, poor economic status, physical abuse, poor social support, heavy maternal workload, and stunting physical growth were significantly associated with depression, both in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, with p-value < 0.05. (Table 4).

Table 4 Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model predicting depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, South Ethiopia, (n = 226)
Full size table

Discussion

Depression can exert a negative influence on a child’s nutritional intake by impeding social interaction and responsiveness. Depressed caregivers may experience challenges in fulfilling the demands of caregiving, potentially resulting in diminished engagement with their child and consequently impacting the child’s physical growth.

In the current study, we assessed possible predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition.

Caregivers with children who did not attend formal education were 2.9 times more likely to experience depression. This finding is in line with studies in Ethiopia, Botswana, Saudi Arabia, and Japan [46,47,48,49,50]. Poor reading skills can extend to emotional and behavioral problems, consequently increasing an individual’s vulnerability to depression and hindering their ability to manage their symptoms effectively [51]. Limited literacy can contribute to low self-esteem, reduced confidence in decision-making, and feelings of burden, especially when caregivers face challenges. This, combined with the economic strain often associated with lower education levels, can increase stress and the risk of depressive symptoms [52]. Unemployed caregivers were 3.7 times more likely to experience depression compared to caregivers who were employed. This finding is in line with studies in Sudan, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia [47, 53,54,55]. Unemployed caregivers may experience psychological distress and anxiety due to concerns about finding work, financial hardship, and lack of income. This unemployment can further exacerbate stress and contribute to depression, especially during the postpartum period [56].

Caregivers with low socioeconomic status were 3.3 times more likely to experience depression compared to caregivers with high socioeconomic status. This finding is in line with studies in Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Pakistan, and Uganda [26, 49, 57,58,59,60]. Living in low socioeconomic settings can create a persistent cycle of stress. Financial insecurity, difficulty affording basic needs, and unstable housing can all contribute to the development of depression in caregivers. This constant pressure affects their emotional well-being and limits their choices in housing, employment, and childcare, leaving them feeling powerless [52, 61, 62].

Caregivers with poor social support were 2.6 times more likely to experience depression than caregivers with strong social support. This finding is in line with studies in Ethiopia [50, 55, 63,64,65], Sudan, Pakistan, and Japan. The possible reason might be caregivers with a lack of social support are more susceptible to stress, loneliness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and psychological distress [66].

Caregivers with a heavy workload were 2.1 times more likely to experience depression compared to caregivers with a low workload. Heavy workload is considered a factor contributing to distress and depression. the workload is a major contributor to stress and mental health issues like depression symptoms, feelings of helplessness, and hopelessness [67]. An excessive workload can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. Burnout can make it difficult to concentrate, feel motivated, and complete tasks, further worsening the situation [68, 69].

Caregivers with children who were stunted were 2.53 times more likely to experience depression compared to mothers of children who were not stunted. This is in agreement with studies done in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, India, and Pakistan [26, 48, 50, 57, 70, 71]. Caregivers of stunted children face unique stressors related to their child’s health and development. These stressors, coupled with feelings of helplessness, sadness, and low self-esteem, can significantly impact their well-being [13].

Caregivers who experienced physical abuse were 2.33 times more likely to develop maternal depression compared to mothers who did not experience intimate partner violence. This finding is supported by studies done in Bangladesh, and India [72, 73]. Physical abuse leaves deep scars. It increases the risk of depression by triggering feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, and trauma. These experiences can leave survivors feeling hopeless, worthless, and deeply saddened all hallmarks of depression. Physical abuse can severely impact mental well-being, potentially leading to depression. Victims may struggle with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and difficulty managing emotions, all of which can contribute to depression [72, 74,75,76,77,78].

Limitations

In this study, we identified the cause-and-effect relationships of depression among caregivers of children with undernutrition.

Depressive symptoms data were assessed based on maternal recall of the 2 weeks before the survey and may reflect under-reporting or over-reporting of depressive symptoms. The Data were assessed face to face interviews, so there might be response bias.

Conclusion and recommendation

In this study, we found factors contributing to caregivers’ depression among children with malnutrition. The distribution of depression among caregivers with malnourished children was high among caregivers with a lack of formal education, unemployment, poor social support, low economic status, a heavy workload, Physical abuse, and stunting in physical growth in children with undernutrition. Therefore, early screening and detection of caregivers’ depression are crucial and implementing community-based education programs to improve literacy and health awareness. Local governments and NGOs should integrate mental health education into existing caregiver, maternal, and child health programs. Educated caregivers are better equipped to seek help, understand nutritional needs, and support their children’s development, thereby reducing unemployment and improving socioeconomic conditions. To prevent physical abuse and strengthen social support, it is essential to establish community-based support groups and counseling services for caregivers affected by domestic violence. Additionally, healthcare and social workers should receive training to screen for depression and abuse during pediatric malnutrition visits. Addressing stunting in children requires a holistic approach that integrates targeted mental health services with proper child feeding practices. Combining psychological support and medical care ensures more effective interventions. Furthermore, supporting caregivers’ mental well-being enhances their adherence to nutritional guidelines, which promotes better physical and cognitive development in children.

For Policymakers

  1. 1.

    Integrate mental health support into nutrition programs (e.g., adding counseling services to community malnutrition initiatives).

  2. 2.

    Expand social protection programs like job training for families with malnourished children.

Data availability

The data included in the manuscript can be obtained from the corresponding author through the email address biazinyenealem21@gmail.come with rational request.

Abbreviations

AOR:

Adjusted odds ratio

CI:

Confidence interval

COR:

Crude odds ratio

EPDS:

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Epi-Data:

Epidemiological Data

LMIC:

Low- and middle-income countries

PHQ:

Patient Health Questionnaire

PCGs:

Primary Care Givers

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Acknowledgements

The authors of this study would like to acknowledge the participants of the study, the data collectors, the supervisors, and the staff members of the pediatric Department.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Science, Dilla University, Dilla, P.O.BOX: 419, Ethiopia

    Biazin Yenealem Mekuriaw, Misrak Negash, Tadese Teferi & Endashaw Habtamu

  2. Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Science, Injibara University Injibara, Injibara, Ethiopia

    Alemayehu Molla

  3. Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

    Mastewal Aschale & Aklile Tsega

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  1. Biazin Yenealem Mekuriaw
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  2. Alemayehu Molla
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  4. Tadese Teferi
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  5. Endashaw Habtamu
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  7. Aklile Tsega
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Contributions

BY: Conceptualization; Data curation; Formal analysis; Funding acquisition; Investigation; Methodology; Supervision; Project administration; Writing — original draft and Writing — review and editing. AM, TT, MN, MA, EH, and AT: Data curation; funding acquisition; investigation; methodology; supervision; project administration; writing—original draft and review and editing.

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Correspondence to Biazin Yenealem Mekuriaw.

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Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Dilla University, and it was to be conducted following the Declaration of Ethical Guidelines. A formal letter of permission was obtained from the Department of Psychiatry. Written informed consent form was obtained from each study participant after detailed explanations before the interviews. The privacy of study participants and the confidentiality of the information were maintained during the data collection process. The collected data were used only for the objective of this study.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Mekuriaw, B.Y., Molla, A., Negash, M. et al. Predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo zone public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia: case-control study. BMC Psychiatry 25, 500 (2025). https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.1186/s12888-025-06959-1

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Keywords

BMC Psychiatry

ISSN: 1471-244X

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