MATERNAL SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL HEALTH ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MATERNAL AND CHILD DIET DIVERSITY AND MATERNAL BMI IN UPPER MANYA KROBO DISTRICT OF GHANA

Background and objectives: Poor maternal mental health may affect productivity and livelihood opportunities as well as diminish mothers' ability to provide adequate care for their young children and themselves. The objective of this analysis was to examine the association between symptoms of maternal mental health and maternal and child nutritional indicators. Methods: Nutrition Links is a 5-y project to improve rural health and economic well-being in the Upper Manya Krobo district, Ghana. In 2013-2014, an exhaustive survey of 1096 households with infants < 12 months was completed; a one-year follow-up survey was carried out with 943 households (86%). The Self-Reporting Questionnaire with 20 symptoms of depression and anxiety (SRQ20) estimated probable mental disorder among mothers. The survey also included a socio-demographic questionnaire and a 24-hour and 7-day food frequency questionnaire for children and mothers, respectively. Child dietary diversity score (DDS) was the number of food groups (7 maximum) consumed and maternal DDS was based on 15 food groups. Weight and height were taken and WHO standardized indicators [child] and BMI [mother]) were calculated. The analysis excluded communities randomly selected to participate in an agricultural and nutrition education intervention, leaving 687 households for the linear regression models. Results: The median SRQ20 score was 7 at baseline and 8 one year later; the two scores were strongly correlated (r = 0.56; p