Child Health Intervention & Longitudinal Development Studies Program Trina Cluney, BN Student Linda Duffett-Leger, RN, MN, PhD Student Nicole Letourneau PhD, RN, CRC

The overarching goal of the CHILD Studies Program is to examine the various ways that children’s caregiving environments impact their health.

Community-Based Research The research studies developed by the CHILD Studies Program are community-based, with the active involvement of partners from multiple stakeholder groups, community agencies, university sites, faculties and disciplines.

Determinants of Health Healthy Child Development Social Support

Parent-Child Interaction Quality parent-child interactions buffer the impact of various factors that place children at risk for less than optimal development. Positive parent-child interactions are linked to improved child developmental outcomes.

Social Support: interactions with family members, friends, health professionals that communicate information, esteem, aid and understanding Social Support Advice, guidance You’re worth it! I understand Help with household, child care

Social Support and Parenting Social support Parenting Healthy child development

Stress and Child Development High stress triggers high stress hormone levels (cortisol), Adaptive: enable child to cope with stressors

Stress & Child Development High cortisol predicts reduced cognition, memory attention, self-control, behavioral problems in children. Poor parenting can be a source of stress. Social support may promote optimal parenting, reducing infant stress and maximizing children’s developmental potentials.

Postpartum Depression

 Signs and Symptoms of PPD  When does it Occur?  Duration of PPD symptoms

Who is affected by PPD?  Depression following childbirth affects up to 15% of new mothers.  PPD has serious implications for: women’s health family functioning children’s health & development

Effects on Children  Boys of depressed mothers tend to display more externalizing behaviors.  Girls of depressed mothers tend to display more internalizing behaviors.

Support for Women Who Experienced Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

PPD Study “A new mom coming to help me, to show me how easy it is to take a baby out; to go out with the car seat, to show me how to breastfeed in a mall, or just to be more mobile”. “ “ You know deep down inside that you really do need this, and you really do want it, but what comes out of your mouth is, ‘No, I don’t need any help’ even though inside, you’re screaming, and saying, ‘Yes, for God’s sake, help me.’ ”

Mothers Offering Mentorship and Support (MOMS) Study A RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer support intervention

MOMS Study  One-on-one support for mothers with PPD provided by mothers who have recovered from PPD  2 to 12 weeks of home visits.  Assess impact on maternal-child relationships, PPD, child development, maternal & infant cortisol

Support Needs of Partners of Mothers with Postpartum Depression DADS Study

 Qualitative design  One-on-one interviews conducted with male partners of women who have experienced PPD.

Intimate Partner Violence

Occurrence Violence and Child Health –Psychological and Behavioural Effects –Duration and Onset

Social Support and Abuse  Long term implications of a violent relationship  Mothers’ support needs

The Mothering Study Supporting Mother-Infant Relationships Affected by Intimate Partner Violence

Mothering Study Mothers and service providers interviewed about social support needs to promote optimal mother-infant relationships in families affected by Intimate Partner Violence. Mothers complete a number of assessments regarding: –Child development –Parent child relationship quality –The family environment –Other known parenting/life stressors

Thank You Any Questions?