Maternal mental health influences child development, and early childhood is a critical period for developing energy balance behaviors. This study explores the relationship between maternal depression and child sleep, sedentary time, outdoor play and diet in a population of low-income Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)-participating families from Los Angeles County (LAC), California.

methods

Mothers of a random sample of 5,618 WIC-participating children participated in the 2017 LAC WIC survey. Mothers answered questions about health beliefs, status and behaviors. Scores ≥3 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, a 2-item depression screening tool, indicated maternal depression. Mothers reported daily child screen (TV, other) and sleep time in hours; daily servings of a variety of foods and beverages; and weekly frequency of fast food and outdoor play. Diet, play, sleep and screen time were compared between children with a depressed or non-depressed mother, separately for children <1-year or 1-year of age or older with chi-square or t-tests as appropriate. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.

results

Nearly 19% of mothers in this study were classified as depressed. Children of depressed mothers received significantly more screen time and 100% juice (both ages); significantly less outdoor play and more <100% juice, sugar sweetened beverages, and sweets (1-year or older); and significantly less sleep and more frequent fast food (<1-year).

discussion

Maternal depressive symptoms are associated with emergent obesogenic behaviors. Partnerships between WIC programs and mental health providers are crucial to address maternal depression and reduce its impact on young children.