Weight and Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors Among Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Women After Childbirth: I. Methods and Context

Walker, Lorraine O.; Freeland‐Graves, Jeanne H.; Milani, Tracey J.; Hanss-Nuss, Henry; George, Goldy C.; Sterling, Bobbie Sue; Kim, Minseong; Timmerman, Gayle M.; Wilkinson, Susan; Arheart, Kristopher L.; Stuifbergen, Alexa K.

doi:10.1300/j013v40n02_01

Cited by 51 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Pre-pregnancy weight and GWG were self-reported by mothers and may not have been accurate. However, self-reported weight in similar contexts has shown to be reliable estimates of weight [52, 53]. Self-report of GWG within the first year postpartum has also shown to be a reliable measure as compared to birth certificate data [54].…”

Section: Conclusion and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maternal Stress Predicts Postpartum Weight Retention

Whitaker

Young-Hyman

Vernon

et al. 2014

Matern Child Health J

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Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a significant contributor to the development of overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age. Stress may be a key mechanism making it more difficult for mothers to lose weight in the year following delivery. The aim of this study was to assess whether specific aspects of parenting stress and life stress influence postpartum weight retention in new mothers. Women in late pregnancy or up to 2 months postpartum (n = 123) were enrolled in the study and followed through the first year postpartum. Linear regression models evaluated the associations of parenting stress (isolation, attachment and depressive symptoms) as well as overall life stress at 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum with PPWR at 6 and 12 months. During the first year postpartum, higher depression and life stress were significantly associated with greater PPWR. As the effect of depression diminished, the effect of life stress became significant. Contrary to hypothesized relationships, fewer problems with attachment and less social isolation were significantly associated with greater PPWR. Higher gestational weight gain and African American race were also significantly associated with greater PPWR at both 6 and 12 months. Different types of stress predict weight retention in first time mothers during the first year postpartum. Understanding the relationships between parenting stress, concurrent life stress and PPWR can enhance the development of future interventions that specifically target self-identified stressors, leading to improved weight related outcomes.

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Section: Conclusion and Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maternal Stress Predicts Postpartum Weight Retention

Whitaker

Young-Hyman

Vernon

et al. 2014

Matern Child Health J

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“…The relatively small number of mothers also limited statistical power, so that some important but more modest associations may not have been detected as statistically significant. Mother's pregnancy weight gain was self-reported as in other studies (Walker et al, 2004;Boury, Larkin, & Krummel, 2004). However, mothers' reports of routine prenatal care and the emphasis on weight gain during pregnancy make it a reasonable assumption that women had access to, and could track and accurately report this information.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maternal Stress, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index During New Mothers' First Year Postpartum

2010

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We evaluated associations of parenting stress, including depressive symptoms, with 51 first-time mothers' light and moderate physical activity and body mass index during the first year postpartum. The Parenting Stress Index and 24-hour physical activity recalls were completed during the first year postpartum (mean time elapsed since birth: 6 months). Direct relationships between identified variables were tested, and then hierarchical linear regression was used to assess hypothesized relationships among body mass index, physical activity, and parenting stress. Effects of parenting stress on the relationships between postpartum body mass index, light physical activity, and moderate physical activity were evaluated after controlling for factors known to be associated with overweight and low levels of physical activity in women. Mean postpartum body mass index = 27.4 kg/m² ± 7.7, range = 18-50 kg/m². Mean reported hours of light physical activity = 11.2 ± 3.0, and moderate physical activity = 4.5 ± 3.0 per day. Postpartum body mass index was not associated with parenting stress, but was positively related to higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (r = .89, p < .01) and light physical activity (r = .32, p < .05), and was negatively related to moderate physical activity (r = -25, p < .08). Higher postpartum body mass index (β = .27, p < .05), less concern regarding parenting competence (β = -.95, p < .001), and more depressive symptoms (β = .66, p < .01) were associated with more light physical activity (R² = .48, p < .001). More moderate physical activity (R² = .45, p < .001) was associated with lower postpartum body mass index (β = -.27, p < .05), more concern about parenting competence (β = 1.0, p < .001), and less depressive symptoms (β = -.68, p < .01). Higher postpartum body mass index (R² = .89, p < .001) was associated with higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (β = .99, p < .001), more pregnancy weight gain (β = .22, p < .001), less attachment (β = -.68, p < .01), and less social isolation (β = -.13, p < .02). These data suggest that interventions that target parenting stress and depressive symptoms in addition to physical activity are needed to prevent development of overweight in new mothers.

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“…Descriptive studies and studies with low-income postpartum women have been reported in the literature. 5,6 There are few intervention studies, although one study reported increased physical activity after a psychosocial intervention. 7 The purpose of the present intervention study was to decrease environmental barriers to promote physical activity in low-income women.…”

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confidence: 99%

An Environmental Intervention Aimed at Increasing Physical Activity Levels in Low-Income Women

Speck

Hines‐Martin

Stetson

et al. 2007

Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing

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Weight and Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors Among Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Women After Childbirth: I. Methods and Context

Abstract: Low-income ethnic minority women have a higher vulnerability to postpartum weight gains or plateaus. High depressive symptoms occurred in all ethnic groups examined.

Cited by 51 publications

References 27 publications

Maternal Stress Predicts Postpartum Weight Retention

Maternal Stress Predicts Postpartum Weight Retention

Maternal Stress, Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index During New Mothers' First Year Postpartum

An Environmental Intervention Aimed at Increasing Physical Activity Levels in Low-Income Women

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