ArticleBMJ global health2026
From childhood malnutrition to adult mental illness: COVID-19 and the hidden legacy of malnutrition.
Article in BMJ global health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionThe impact of stunting, thinness and obesity on depression and anxiety during challenging times, such as COVID-19, has not been adequately explored. This study aimed to estimate these relationships using longitudinal data from the four countries: Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam.
methodsWe conducted an analysis using data from the Younger Cohort of the Young Lives study, which tracked 8000 children from 2002 to 2021. The first five rounds of the study assessed nutrition (stunting, thinness and obesity). The sixth round evaluated outcomes at three different time points. For the analyses, we employed a random effects ordered logistic regression model.
resultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing stunting in a previous assessment round was associated with higher levels of depression (OR=1.34, p=0.025). Each additional year of stunting duration was linked to a greater severity of depression (OR=1.08, p=0.018). Additionally, longer durations of thinness were associated with an 11% increased risk of depression (OR=1.11, p=0.021). Meanwhile, experiencing stunting at least once over the five assessment rounds and the duration of stunting showed a weaker association with anxiety (OR=1.18, p=0.090) and (OR=1.06, p=0.065), respectively.
conclusionsStunting and thinness are linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing health investments and the need to incorporate child nutrition programmes into disaster preparedness plans to address the long-term effects of malnutrition.
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