Mental Health Barriers to Low-income Parents' Success at Preventing Childhood Obesity

Background: The literature is mixed on the relationship between maternal mental health problems (e.g. depression), social constructs and associated childhood obesity. Mental health problems in parents and social environments may be barriers to their effective participation in prevention efforts. It is critical that mental health problems in parents be considered and addressed to most effectively promote healthy communities.

Objective: This study examines the relationship between parents' mental health status and social support and their 2-4 year old child's current BMI, current behaviors related to preventing childhood obesity, perceptions of their child's risk of becoming overweight, perceived self-efficacy to prevent obesity in their child, and satisfaction with WIC services.

Methods: IRB approval was obtained. Statistical analyses were conducted using blind-coded data from 336 parents who participated in a WIC pre-school childhood obesity prevention program. The assessment tool included items to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and valid, reliable measures of psychopathology, self-efficacy, social support, and client satisfaction with service delivery. Parents with scores in the clinical range (“evidence of mental health problems”) were compared to those in the non-clinical range, “normal group”.

Results: Parents in the non-clinical “normal” group compared to those in the “clinical group” were significantly different on pre-school child's current BMI, depression symptoms, social support, self-efficacy items, and certain activities related to preventing childhood obesity.

Conclusion: This study suggests that parents' mental health problems may be a barrier to promoting healthy communities related to child overweight and risk of chronic diseases and suggests the need for interventions.