Maternal Emotional States in Relation to Offspring Weight and Health-Related Quality of Life: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Abstract

Background: Maternal characteristics have been known to be associated with parenting practices, which could eventually influence their child’s weight and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the direct and indirect associations of maternal emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress) with body mass index (BMI) and HRQoL in their children. Methods: This study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS). Participants were the children (n = 231) enrolled in TLGS during 2014 - 2016, who had complete data on maternal emotional states. The body weight and height of children were measured using the standard protocol, and BMI Z-score was determined using Anthroplus. Also, HRQoL in children and emotional states in mothers were assessed using the Iranian version of the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQLTM4.0) and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21), respectively. Structural equations modeling (SEM) was used to assess the direct and indirect relations of maternal emotional states with children’s BMI Z-score and HRQoL. Results: Mean age, BMI Z-score, and HRQoL total score in children were 13.8 ± 3.1 years, 0.74 ± 1.5, and 84.7 ± 11.3, respectively. In the mothers, median DASS-21 scores (interquartile ranges) in the three scales of depression, anxiety, and stress were 4 (0 - 10), 6 (2 - 12), and 14 (8 - 20), respectively. Maternal level of education was significantly associated with the DASS-21 score (β = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.37,-0.07). Maternal DASS-21 score was significantly associated with BMI Z-score only in girls (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.53). Significant determinants of HRQoL in boys were the child’s age (β = -0.21, 95% CI: -0.40, -0.01) and maternal education (β = -0.24, 95%CI: -0.44, -0.02) and emotional state (β = -0.24, 95% CI: -0.44, -0.03). The child’s age (β = -0.33, 95% CI: -0.53, -0.10) and maternal emotional state (β = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.08) were significantly associated with HRQoL in girls. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the maternal emotional state was an important determinant of HRQoL in children, regardless of their weight status. Further research is recommended to examine the current hypothesized model in rural and suburban populations, taking into consideration more influential factors.

Trimester‐specific association of perceived indoor air quality with antenatal depression: China Medical University Birth Cohort Study

“…Antenatal depression is associated with adverse birth and long-term outcomes for both mothers and children, such as low birthweight, preterm birth, 4 postpartum depression, poor emotional development in children, and childhood obesity. 5,6 Previous studies have reported that maternal exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of depression. 7,8 These studies assessed air pollutants based on ambient monitoring or satellitebased data, which mainly reflect outdoor gas pollutants and particulate matter, such as NO 2 and PM 10 .…”

“…Depression is the leading cause of mental disorder morbidity, 2 and antenatal depression, with a reported 20.7% prevalence worldwide, 3 has become a global public health concern. Antenatal depression is associated with adverse birth and long‐term outcomes for both mothers and children, such as low birthweight, preterm birth, 4 postpartum depression, poor emotional development in children, and childhood obesity 5,6 …”