STUDENT RESEARCH

Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Upper Manya Krobo District in Ghana to determine the association between a mother’s participation in a rural bank microcredit program and IYC dietary quality and nutritional status. Participants included 102 active microcredit member mothers and 102 non-microcredit member mothers and their youngest child (6-23 mo). Non-members were matched to the microcredit group by community and child age. Information was collected on IYC feeding practices, length and weight and household socio-demographic characteristics. IYC in the microcredit group (MC) consumed more legumes and nuts (p < 0.05) and dairy products (p < 0.01) than IYC in the non-microcredit group (NMC).

Overall, more MC than NMC children (57 % vs. 43 %; p < 0.05) met minimum dietary diversity recommendations ( 4 food groups). Weight-for-age z-scores tended to be higher among MC vs. NMC children (-0.43  1.13 vs. -0.69  1.03; p = 0.09). Microcredit programs may contribute to improving IYC nutrition in Ghana; longitudinal studies are needed to understand the role that this component of the private sector plays.

Valerie Friesen | Masters, McGill University, Canada