Exploring how caregiver mental health affects children recovering from severe malnutrition

Understanding the role of caregiver mental health in outcomes following childhood severe acute malnutrition

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11031233

This study looks at how a caregiver's feelings, like depression and anxiety, can affect how well children recover from severe malnutrition, and it’s for families in Burkina Faso who are going through this treatment together.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031233 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of caregiver mental health, specifically depression and anxiety, on the recovery outcomes of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). By measuring caregiver mental health throughout the treatment process and up to a year after, the study aims to understand how these factors influence the child's recovery and potential relapse. The research is conducted in Burkina Faso as part of an ongoing trial, allowing for a detailed analysis of both caregiver and child health outcomes. This approach seeks to provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of caregiver wellbeing and child health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are being treated for severe acute malnutrition and their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing severe acute malnutrition or whose caregivers are not facing mental health challenges may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that address both caregiver mental health and child recovery from severe malnutrition.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing caregiver mental health can positively influence child health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.