University Library
  • Login
A gateway to Melbourne's research publications
Minerva Access is the University's Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve, and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of the University of Melbourne for a global audience.
View Item 
  • Minerva Access
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
  • Melbourne Medical School
  • Paediatrics (RCH)
  • Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications
  • View Item
  • Minerva Access
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
  • Melbourne Medical School
  • Paediatrics (RCH)
  • Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Examining longitudinal associations between self-reported depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and hair cortisol among mothers of young children

    Thumbnail
    Download
    Submitted version (3.065Mb)

    Citations
    Altmetric
    Author
    Bryson, H; Middleton, M; Huque, H; Mensah, F; Goldfeld, S; Price, AMH
    Date
    2020-12
    Source Title
    Journal of Affective Disorders
    Publisher
    Elsevier BV
    University of Melbourne Author/s
    Goldfeld, Sharon
    Affiliation
    Paediatrics (RCH)
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Document Type
    Journal Article
    Citations
    Bryson, H., Middleton, M., Huque, H., Mensah, F., Goldfeld, S. & Price, A. M. H. (2020). Examining longitudinal associations between self-reported depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and hair cortisol among mothers of young children. Journal of Affective Disorders, 282, pp.921-929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.144.
    Access Status
    Open Access
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/258848
    DOI
    10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.144
    Abstract
    Background Maternal mental health is critically important given its impacts on both women's and children's outcomes. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) may provide insight into physiological processes underpinning mental health. This study investigated associations between mothers’ self-reported mental health symptoms and their HCC at 1, 2 and 3 years postpartum. Methods Longitudinal study of Australian mothers recruited for their experience of adversity in pregnancy (‘right@home’ trial, N=722). Mental health symptoms were self-reported using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Associations between DASS total and subscale scores and HCC were estimated using linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, examining associations: at each age; across all ages (multivariate GEE); and with persistence of high symptom severity. Missing data were addressed using multiple imputation. Results 546/722 (76%) women provided at least one hair sample (71% at 1, 61% at 2, 49% at 3 years). Associations between DASS total or subscale scores and HCC were not evident across time points. Only dichotomized high depression symptom severity was associated with higher HCC in the GEE models (β=0.12, p=0.04). There was no evidence of associations between persistence of high DASS symptom severity and HCC at 3 years. Limitations The DASS measured self-reported symptoms for the preceding week whereas HCC captured average cortisol over three months. Associations amongst mothers experiencing adversity may not represent patterns in the general population. Conclusions Considered in context with existing literature, these findings suggest that HCC provides limited insight into the mental health of mothers experiencing adversity across the early postpartum years.

    Export Reference in RIS Format     

    Endnote

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format" and choose "open with... Endnote".

    Refworks

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format". Login to Refworks, go to References => Import References


    Collections
    • Minerva Elements Records [52609]
    • Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications [2383]
    Minerva AccessDepositing Your Work (for University of Melbourne Staff and Students)NewsFAQs

    BrowseCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects
    My AccountLoginRegister
    StatisticsMost Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors