226666 Effect of the Healthy MOMS lifestyle intervention on reducing depressive symptoms among pregnant Latinas

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Edith Kieffer, MPH, PhD , School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cleopatra Caldwell, PhD , Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Diana B. Welmerink, MPH, CPH , School of Social Work, University of Washington, Ann Arbor, MI
Ricardo Guzman, MSW, MPH , Community Health & Social Services Center, Inc, Detroit, MI
Brandy Sinco, MS , School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Kathleen B. Welch, MPH, MS , Cscar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
     
Background: Healthy Mothers on the Move (Healthy MOMS) is a community-based participatory research project aimed at reducing diabetes risk factors among pregnant, predominantly Mexican and immigrant, women in Detroit. During formative research, pregnant Latinas commonly reported social isolation and depressed feelings. They recommended a group activity program. Trained community health workers (CHWs) provided 136 pregnant women an 11-week social support group-based healthy lifestyle intervention (HLI); 127 pregnant control participants received 2 group healthy pregnancy education sessions.

Methods: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 11-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Scores were standardized (1), with ≥16 points indicating presence of depressive symptoms. Mixed model analysis was used to estimate levels of depressive symptoms pre- and post-intervention within, and between, the HLI and control groups. Models were adjusted for age, acculturation, parity, marital status and healthcare site.

Results: At baseline (mean 18.5 weeks gestation), depressive symptoms were evident among 39.7% of HLI and 33.9% of control participants. Unadjusted and adjusted post-intervention depression scores decreased significantly in HLI but not control participants. Adjusted mean HLI scores were 16.01 at baseline and 14.03 at follow-up (p=0.002). Mean control scores were 15.63 at baseline and 15.61 at follow-up (p=0.96). The intervention effect for mean scores was a 1.95 point decrease (p=0.034.

Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were prevalent in this cohort of pregnant Latinas. A culturally tailored, Spanish language, community-based healthy lifestyle intervention, which provided CHW and peer social support, significantly reduced depressive symptoms. Similar interventions, based on community-based participatory research during the formative phase, hold promise for reducing levels of depression during, and potentially after, pregnancy in other Latino communities.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the components of the Healthy MOMs healthy lifestyle intervention. 2. Assess the effect of the Health MOMS healthy lifestyle intervention (HLI) on reducing depressive symptoms among pregnant Latinas. 3. List three possible reasons why an intervention aimed at reducing diabetes risk factors also had an effect on reducing depression among pregnant Latinas.

Keywords: Depression, Latinas

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am Principal Investigator of Healthy Mothers on the Move, the project about which we are presenting. I conducted the formative research and with community and academic partners designed, implemented and evaluated the program. I conceptualized the research resulting in this proposed paper, participated in the analysis and led the writing team.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3046.0: Health Promotion Programs Targeting the Latino Community