Addressing the interaction between food insecurity, depression risk and informal work: findings of a cross-sectional survey among informal women workers with young children in South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is a high burden of depression globally, including in South Africa. Maternal depression is associated with poverty, unstable income, food insecurity, and lack of partner support, and may lead to poor outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa one-third of working women are in informal work, which is associated with socioeconomic vulnerability.

Methods

A cross sectional survey explored work setting and conditions, food security and risk of depression among informal working women with young children (0-3 years). Depression risk was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) and Whooley score. Food insecurity was evaluated using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS and Stata.

Results

Interviews

SUBMITTER: Horwood C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7777389 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature