[Maternal mental health: a risk factor affecting the social and emotional well-being of Mexican children].

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in mothers from three population areas in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and to analyze the association between these symptoms and the emotional health of their children.

Methods: Assessment was conducted on 173 mother-child pairs from three different population areas: urban, rural, and indigenous rural. Women's symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated, together with their children's behavioral problems.