Why Psychological Distress and Partner Support Matter for Antenatal Care Among Young Women: A Baseline Evaluation From a Maternal Mental Health Intervention in Rural India

Tina Khanna , International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This study investigates effect psychological distress and gender, on IFA consumption among adolescent pregnant women in low-income community settings of rural India. The data is drawn from a cross sectional baseline evaluation and sample of 400 women was taken. Multinomial Logistic Regression assessed the effect of psychological distress and partner support on IFA consumption. Results show that odds of recommended IFA consumption were almost three times higher among women who were low on psychological distress (OR=2.91, p<0.01) and nearly four times higher among those who had partner support (OR = 3.7, p<0.001). Further, the interaction analysis reveal that women with low psychological distress and partner support were 12 times more likely to consume IFA (OR = 12.1, p<0.001).In conclusion, programmes targeting pregnant women can maximise their impact by combining psychological well-being and partner support. Study recommends screening and management of psychological distress during pregnancy as well as promote partner support.

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 Presented in Session 2. Children & Youth