Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science

Department

Nutrition

First Advisor

Brietta N. Oaks

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of women globally and has a negative impact on maternal and infant health. Omega-3 fatty acids have been implicated in psychiatric health due to their anti-inflammatory properties, contrasting with the proinflammatory effects of omega-6 fatty acids. Within Ghana, 2% of an estimated 2.3 million people are living with mental illness and are not seeking treatment due to poor attitudes surrounding mental health. We do not fully understand the risk factors associated with the development of PPD, and therefore how to inform pro-grams seeking to make positive reforms in this area.

Methods: This prospective cohort study explores the association between fatty acid status and PPD risk among Ghanaian women enrolled in the primary iLiNS-DYAD-G trial from 2009-2014. Fatty acid levels were measured at £20 weeks gestation, 36 weeks gestation, and 6 months postpartum, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores was utilized to assess postpartum depression risk at 6 months postpartum.

Results: Linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) and increased EPDS scores (β=0.30, p=0.035). Interaction analysis suggested that DHA at 6 months postpartum was associated with increasing EPDS scores for primiparous women (correlation coefficient=0.19, p-value=0.064), but not for multiparous women (correlation coefficient=-0.04, p-value=0.525).

Discussion: Higher omega-6 fatty acid levels, particularly linoleic acid (LA), were associated with increased EPDS scores at 6 months postpartum after adjusting for relevant. Interaction analysis indicated a significant relationship between DHA levels at 6 months postpartum and primiparity, showing greater odds of depressive symptoms among primiparous women than multiparous women, which did not demonstrate significance. DHA at 6 months postpartum having the effect of increasing EPDS score is not supported by previous studies and has demonstrated the effect of decreasing EPDS scores, which is what the research team expected. The research team inferred that due to a lack of literature, lack of full dietary intake information/environmental stressors, and a period of change in the mother’s life that further research is needed. The secondary analysis contributes to understanding how maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy may impact postpartum mental health in Ghanaian women, highlighting the importance of dietary considerations for maternal well-being.

Available for download on Wednesday, March 12, 2025

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