Document Type
Article
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0783-8
Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth description of predictors of elevated postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms among mothers identified as high risk for committing child maltreatment in a home visiting program. We also examine how elevated PPD symptoms in early postpartum affect subsequent maternal child interactions in the home environment, a key measure of home visiting programs. Secondary data analysis was conducted using a sample (n = 4979) from a Healthy Families America program. Multiple linear regression models examined predictors of elevated PPD symptoms and logistic regression models determined the effect of elevated PPD symptoms on the home environment. Elevated PPD symptoms at 3 months postpartum were predicted by elevated depressive symptoms prenatally (OR = 4.34, 95% CI [3.46, 5.45]) and being unemployed (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.18, 1.58]). Being African American (OR = .83, 95% CI [.69, .99]) or not having English as first language (OR = .51, 95% CI [.32, .83]) were associated with decreased odds of elevated PPD symptoms. In turn, elevated PPD symptoms were associated with decreased overall home environment functioning at 12 months (β = −.87, 95% CI [−1.48, −.26]), particularly in the domains of maternal acceptance (β = −.19, 95% CI [−.36, −.03]) and involvement (β = −.24, 95% CI [−.39, −.08]). Elevated PPD symptoms may have long-term impact on home environment, including negative effects on mother's acceptance of and involvement with her child. Early screenings and treatment for PPD among mothers at risk for committing child maltreatment are supported.
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Language
English
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Sampson, Mcclain & Duron, Jacquelynn & Mauldin, Rebecca & Kao, Dennis & Davidson, Michele. (2017). Postpartum Depression, Risk Factors, and Child’s Home Environment Among Mothers in a Home Visiting Program. The Open Family Studies Journal. 10.1007/s10826-017-0783-8.