Relations among Maternal Employment, Depressive Symptoms,Breastfeeding Duration, and Body Mass Index Trajectories in Early Childhood
10.21896/jksmch.2020.24.2.75
- Author:
Jihyoung KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Child Education & Counseling, Pyeongtaek University, Pyeongtaek, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Maternal and Child Health
2020;24(2):75-84
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The present study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations among maternal employment,breastfeeding duration, and body mass index (BMI) trajectories in early childhood. Drawing from the processmodel of the determinants of parenting, this study particularly focused on the mediating role of depressivesymptoms in these links.
Methods:This study analyzed the data of 2,059 mothers and their children from the panel study on Koreanchildren. A latent growth curve analysis was conducted to investigate the paths linking maternal employmentto BMI trajectories during the preschool years.
Results:Maternal employment was associated with low levels of depressive symptoms, which in turn predicteda longer duration of breastfeeding. Second, maternal employment had direct adverse effects on thebreastfeeding duration. We also found that longer duration of breastfeeding contributed to the low levelsof BMI in early childhood.
Conclusion:The findings highlight the importance of maternal mental health and breastfeeding duration toprevent obesity in early childhood. Moreover, the results suggest that a distinct approach for working andstay-at-home mothers needs to be considered for the promotion of breastfeeding.
