Back to fellows
Profile Background
profile

Dr
Amanuel Abajobir

Kenya

Related fellows

Dr Moses Egesa

Dr Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo

Research Officer

View
Dr Moses Egesa

Dr Chukwuanugo Ogbuagu

Chief Medical Officer

View
Dr Moses Egesa

Ms Norah Mawoko

Research Associate

View
Show more

Project Title

Examining the impact of maternal perinatal depression on child health outcomes and the role of Innovative Partnership for Universal and Sustainable Healthcare (i-PUSH) intervention: a cluster randomised controlled trial study (i-PUSH-RCT)

Project Objectives

The overarching aim is to investigate the effect of maternal perinatal depression on child health, developmental and nutritional outcomes and whether the i-PUSH intervention modifies perinatal depression and its effect on child health, development and nutrition.

Results & Outcomes

The study addressed the critical gaps in maternal mental health research in Africa. By systematically reviewing existing research in Africa and conducting field studies in Kenya, we aimed to understand the epidemiology, determinants, effects and accessibility of care related maternal mental health. We analysed longitudinal data from a cohort of low-income rural families, focusing on the relationship between maternal mental health problems (depressive symptoms) and early childhood development, nutrition and common poverty-related childhood illnesses. Our findings highlighted the pervasive prevalence of perinatal mental health problems among African women and their impact on socioeconomic status, family dynamics, and access to care, as well as other short- and long-term health outcomes, including child health and wellbeing outcomes. Additionally, we identified distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms among women of reproductive age, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and policy initiatives. In addition to dissemination efforts via conferences, open access publications, help disseminate the findings widely to inform evidence-based practices and interventions for maternal mental health problems in Africa. Moreover, the Fellowship provided extensive career development opportunities for the Fellow, focusing on enhancing skills in research, leadership, and resilience. Over the course of two extensive one-year training programs—namely, the Evaluation and Leadership Training Programme and the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Programme, among others—the Fellow gained expertise in designing and implementing evaluation research to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Practical demonstrations and cultural exchanges enriched the learning experience, fostering a global perspective on research methodologies and interventions. Additionally, completion of trainings on Resilience and Implementation Research further equipped the Fellow with

Host Organisation

Department Institution Country
Matenal and Child Wellbeing African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) KE

EDCTP Project

TMA2020CDF-3101

EDCTP Program

EDCTP2

EDCTP Project Call

Career Development Fellowship (CDF)

Study Design

RCT

Project Summary

The proposed study supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3–‘ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages’. It is particularly important to achieve SGD goals related to maternal and child health (SGDs 3.1 and 3.2) and reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and wellbeing (SDG 3.4).

Sites