Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background: Maternal mental health is a vital factor related to both mother and child health. This study aimed to assess the association between maternal anxiety, depression, and infant and young child feeding practices in Bangladesh. Methods: The data were obtained from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) 2022 is a large-scale, a nationally representative household survey that provides the information of the demographic and health indicators of Bangladesh. We employed bivariate analysis to evaluate the infant and young child feeding practice (IYCF) risk factor for anxiety and depression. Binary Logistic Regression was then employed for the assessment of numerous risk factors. Result: Among 2,526 mother–child pairs, 15.62% of mothers had anxiety and 4.03% had depression. Overall, 63.98% of children met minimum meal frequency (MMF), 38.22% had early breastfeeding initiation, and 31.13% had good IYCF practice. In bivariate analysis, maternal anxiety was associated with lower MMF (p < 0.001) and reduced early breastfeeding (p = 0.028). Depression was also linked with lower MMF (p = 0.007). After adjustment, anxiety remained a significant predictor of lower MMF (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33–0.76), indicating 50% lower odds. Depression was associated with lower odds of early breastfeeding initiation (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29–0.87). Anxiety showed a slight positive association with early breastfeeding (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.01–1.97). Other factors also influenced outcomes. Children aged 12–23 months had higher odds of MMF (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.45–2.41), as did mothers with ≥4 antenatal care visits (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.27–2.23) and fathers with secondary schooling (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.09–2.70). No significant association was found between maternal mental health and overall IYCF practice after adjustment, while children aged 12–23 months had lower odds of good practice (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.36–0.66). Conclusion: Maternal anxiety and depression were significantly associated with specific IYCF practices, principally minimum meal frequency and early breastfeeding. Several socioeconomic, reproductive, and child-related factors were also associated with IYCF outcomes. Addressing maternal mental health considerations into maternal and infant health programs may help support optimal feeding practices.